KUALA LUMPUR: There was no talk of the new cabinet and discussions with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong were solely on support for the next prime minister.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the 114 members of parliament from Barisan Nasional, Pas, Bersatu and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and those from Sabah met with the King in five sessions beginning 10am today.
"Today the MPs were granted one-on-one audience with the King to affirm our support for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who is the Bera MP as the next prime minister.
"In a brief audience, the MPs stated their names, constituencies and who they supported voluntarily, without any duress," he told the press outside Istana Negara Gate 2.
The Pontian MP said the audience with the Agong lasted around one to two minutes each, with some lawmakers attending the session virtually.
"With this, we were informed that the majority sided with Ismail Sabri. It was a very important experience for me and the other 114 MPs who supported Ismail," he said.
Ahmad said it is up to the King when the swearing in session of the new premier will be held.
"We don't know when the swearing in will be, it is up to the wisdom of the King. Each MP was only granted one to two minutes to speak to the Agong.
"We didn't have time to chit chat or anything. His Majesty wants to solve this impasse as soon as possible," he said.
Ahmad said when the Covid-19 situation eases, a general election can be held so the mandate will be returned to the people.
Two buses carrying the final batch of Bersatu and Pas lawmakers were seen leaving Istana Negara at 3.55pm.