KUALA LUMPUR: All members of parliament (MP), excluding Dr Mahathir Mohamad, will be personally interviewed by Malaysian King Abdullah Riayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to ascertain who should be the countrys next prime minister.
In a press conference on Tuesday (Feb 25), palace spokesperson Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the king will interview each of the 221 MPs in a two- to three-minute session beginning 2.30pm, following Dr Mahathirs resignation as head of government on Monday.
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Chief Secretary of Government Mohd Zuki Ali will be the witness.
“(The MPs) have been informed about this royal interview yesterday by palace authorities.
“Weve already identified the MPs for todays interview, but I dont have the mandate to reveal who they are,” said Mr Ahmad Fadil, who is the Comptroller of the Royal Family and Household.
Ninety MPs have been called to the palace on Tuesday, while the rest would be summoned the next day.
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MPs who were spotted entering the palace as of Tuesday 2.45pm included Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik and Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan.
READ: Najib Razak to meet Malaysia's king after SRC trial adjournment
AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE BY KING
The king will gauge from the interviews which leader commands the majority in the Parliament, and will announce his next steps after wrapping up the interviews, Mr Ahmad Fadi said.
“What Im stating here is that His Majesty will conduct everything transparently, and we will share the results with the media so as to prevent speculation,” he said.
Mr Ahmad Fadil added that this is the first time a royal audience is being used to determine the countrys premiership.
Under Article 43 (2)(a) of the Federal Constitution, the king shall appoint a prime minister to preside over the Cabinet, and this MP is, in the kings judgment, likely to command the confidence of the majority of the MPs.
READ: No legal obstacle to form new ruling coalition, but against spirit of Malaysia's constitution, says an expert
Dr Mahathir had on Monday tendered his resignation as Malaysias premier and quit as chairman of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, which pulled out of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
The king has accepted his resignation while appointing him as interim prime minister. All ministers in the Cabinet have been relieved of their duties.
Malaysias former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad looks on as he leaves the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 24, 2020. (Photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)
These came amid speculation that a new coalition would be formed to oust PH as the ruling government.
On Monday, Mr Azmin Ali _
channel news asia
KUALA LUMPUR: All members of parliament (MP), excluding Dr Mahathir Mohamad, will be personally interviewed by Malaysian King Abdullah Riayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to ascertain who should be the countrys next prime minister.
In a press conference on Tuesday (Feb 25), palace spokesperson Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the king will interview each of the 221 MPs in a two- to three-minute session beginning 2.30pm, following Dr Mahathirs resignation as head of government on Monday.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Chief Secretary of Government Mohd Zuki Ali will be the witness.
“(The MPs) have been informed about this royal interview yesterday by palace authorities.
“Weve already identified the MPs for todays interview, but I dont have the mandate to reveal who they are,” said Mr Ahmad Fadil, who is the Comptroller of the Royal Family and Household.
Ninety MPs have been called to the palace on Tuesday, while the rest would be summoned the next day.
Advertisement
Advertisement
MPs who were spotted entering the palace as of Tuesday 2.45pm included Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik and Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan.
READ: Najib Razak to meet Malaysia's king after SRC trial adjournment
AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE BY KING
The king will gauge from the interviews which leader commands the majority in the Parliament, and will announce his next steps after wrapping up the interviews, Mr Ahmad Fadi said.
“What Im stating here is that His Majesty will conduct everything transparently, and we will share the results with the media so as to prevent speculation,” he said.
Mr Ahmad Fadil added that this is the first time a royal audience is being used to determine the countrys premiership.
Under Article 43 (2)(a) of the Federal Constitution, the king shall appoint a prime minister to preside over the Cabinet, and this MP is, in the kings judgment, likely to command the confidence of the majority of the MPs.
READ: No legal obstacle to form new ruling coalition, but against spirit of Malaysia's constitution, says an expert
Dr Mahathir had on Monday tendered his resignation as Malaysias premier and quit as chairman of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, which pulled out of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
The king has accepted his resignation while appointing him as interim prime minister. All ministers in the Cabinet have been relieved of their duties.
Malaysias former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad looks on as he leaves the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 24, 2020. (Photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)
These came amid speculation that a new coalition would be formed to oust PH as the ruling government.
On Monday, Mr Azmin Ali _
