King consents extension to submit coalition, PM candidate by 2pm tomorrow

SHAH ALAM - Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah consents for the extension of the process by political party and coalition leaders to submit the merger of political parties post 15th General Election (GE15) to 2pm tomorrow.

In a statement released by Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, the consent was given following the requests received from political parties which were submitted today.

“His Majesty urges and advised the public to be patient and calm until the process of formation of the new government and the nomination of the 10th prime minister is complete.

“His Majesty also reminds that the administration of the country is still going on as usual under the caretaker prime minister based on the principles outlined by the caretaker government,” the statement read.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also urged the public to pray for the formation of the government and nomination of the next prime minister to go on smoothly for the country’s interest.

The deadline was supposed to be at 2pm, today.

Earlier, Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has asked for an extension of time to submit the statutory declaration (SD) to Dewan Rakyat Speaker to be presented to the Yang DiPertuan Agong.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, said this was to enable BN to hold official discussions and negotiations with other coalitions to form the new federal government.

He had earlier attended a meeting which was participated by 26 BN elected representatives.

Among those present were BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan.

Before that, several Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders including chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and his deputy Salahuddin Ayub, were spotted at the same hotel.