‘Do not drag country into turmoil’

Yang di-Pertuan agong urges lawmakers to be positive and mature in their action

PETALING JAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has urged lawmakers to be positive and mature in their actions so as to avoid plunging the country into another round of political uncertainty.

In his Royal Address, the King told members of the Dewan Rakyat that instead of leading to hostility and slander, differences in opinions should be a platform for promoting new ideas to develop and unify the country.

“Do not drag the country again into political turmoil at a time when the people are facing various problems and a difficult future due the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said yesterday.

“Indeed, unity and harmony begin in this august House. I am confident that the people will continue to be united and collaborate in developing the nation if they are not baited with the flames of hostility and disunity,” he added.

The King said lawmakers should always display maturity in politics, including voicing the needs and aspirations of the people, protecting their well-being, and adhering to the principles of justice.

He also advised the MPs to practise clean politics and to not impinge on issues of race, religion or the sovereignty and position of the Malay Rulers.

In the Royal Address, the King revisited the events that were central to the political turmoil that hit the country three months ago.

He began with a development that he said “stirred again the narrative of the nation’s political landscape” – the resignation of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Feb 24.

Following this, an audience was granted to Dr Mahathir to discuss the matter.

“During the audience, I requested Dr Mahathir not to resign. However, Tun was firm in his decision.

“As such, I had the responsibility of appointing a new Prime Minister as stipulated in the Federal Constitution.

“Article 43 states that I have the discretion to appoint a member of the Dewan Rakyat who in my judgement commands the confidence of the majority of members of the House,” said the King.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong said he then met each MP to determine their support of a rightful candidate.

On Feb 29, the King asked each political party in the country to name its candidate for the Prime Minister’s post.

Based on requests from heads of political parties, the King said he granted more time for the parties to submit their nominations so that they could decide in a democratic manner.

“Without doubt, all competitions must be concluded.

“The political turmoil afflicting a country cannot be allowed to continue and fester indefinitely.

“Therefore, after going through all these processes and in accordance with the Federal Constitution, I concluded that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had gained the confidence from the majority of the Dewan Rakyat, and with that, was thus appointed the eight Prime Minister,” he said.

The King added that he had performed his duty in a just and transparent manner in line with the principle of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

“At the same time, I appreciate the maturity and cooperation of all members of the Dewan Rakyat and the people who have played their roles with such prudence and ethics in enabling me to fulfil this trust,” he said.

“To the government under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, I am fully confident that the endeavours to raise the nation to greater heights will become a reality.

“My advice is that this trust should be exercised honestly and responsibly, and not to ever neglect the well-being of the people,” he added.