Most of the Malay Rulers gathered at the Istana Negara on Thursday (Nov 24) for a special meeting to discuss the formation of the new government.

Eight cars bearing different state emblems were seen entering the Istana Negara starting from 9.40am, before the main gate was closed at about 11am.

The first to arrive was Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar who arrived at about 9.40am.

This was followed by the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatudin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah who arrived around 10.20am.

Others include Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail arrived, the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir arrives, Sultan of Kedah Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

So far, only the Sultan of Kelantan has not been seen arriving at the Palace.

The Palace in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 23) said a special meeting would be held among the rulers to seek their opinions on the impasse in the formation of a federal government.

The special meeting was held after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah granted audiences to Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders on Wednesday.

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that Al-Sultan Abdullah had advised Barisan MPs to be part of a unity government.

Al-Sultan Abdullah earlier on Tuesday (Nov 22) also granted audiences to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who are the prime minister candidates for Perikatan Harapan and Pakatan Harapan.

Anwar had said the King expressed a similar sentiment, adding that His Majesty hoped the new government would be inclusive of all races and religions.

Various meetings were organised in the past few days to discuss on the prime minister candidate and the formation of a new government, given that no coalition had the majority following last Saturday’s (Nov 19) general election.

Pakatan won 82 seats while Perikatan won 73 seats in GE15.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by ALIZA SHAH and PAVITHRA RAMAN

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