Palace denies delaying Mahathir’s appointment

PETALING JAYA: Istana Negara has strongly refuted claims that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V had delayed the appointment of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister.

“His Majesty has faithfully carried out his duties and functions in accordance with the Federal Constitution in appointing Tun Dr Maha- thir as Prime Minister.

“His Majesty strongly supports and respects the democratic process and the wishes of his subjects,” Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Haji Ab Aziz said in a statement yesterday.

Istana Negara confirmed that it received the letter from Pakatan Harapan component party leaders at 1.38pm yesterday, supporting the appointment of Dr Mahathir as Malaysia’s seventh Prime Minister.

The Istana also received the official results from the Election Commission at 2.45pm on the same day.

Sultan Muhammad then met with PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu at 5pm after verifying the documents.

“His Majesty, after interviewing them and listening to their views, decided to invite Dr Mahathir to form the next Federal Government pursuant to Article 43(2a) of the Federal Constitution,” said Wan Ahmad.

“His Majesty looks forward to working with Tun Dr Mahathir and his administration for the betterment of our nation and all its people.”