KUALA LUMPUR – The former Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has shed light on the way he handled the political impasse that emerged after the last general election as well as the talks that led to the historic formation of the unity government.
During an interview aired yesterday evening, Al-Sultan Abdullah said the idea behind the unity government was aimed at creating a robust and stable administration.
The 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong said that during the deadlock, he first presented the idea to the leadership of Perikatan Nasional (PN), when no single party held a simple majority to form a government.
However, the offer was met with an outright refusal by senior coalition leaders, including PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
“At that time, with no simple majority across parties, I made an offer, initiating discussions with Muhyiddin and Hadi, but it was flatly rejected. What other choice did I have?” he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said this during the Lambaian Mahkota interview session, which featured more than a dozen journalists from local and foreign media outlets.
He said the proposal for a unity government had been on the table since the administration of the ninth prime minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“The (idea for a) unity government started during Ismail Sabri’s time, when I called all the leaders at that time to establish a unity government, even though Ismail said he had a majority (support from MPs) at that time.
“I said it was healthier to have two-thirds (majority) in the unity government. Until the general election (was held), I wanted a harmonious situation in this country.
“It should have started in Parliament, we should not go on fighting (among ourselves). “(We must) think differently if we are to progress and raise the name of the country,” he said.
Touching on the appointment of prime ministers, he clarified that the Agong does not choose the individual for the post. Instead, he said it is decided by the people’s representatives.
“It is not based on the Agong’s suggestion, so it is crucial to get this information correct. The Agong cannot appoint a prime minister arbitrarily; otherwise, it would negate the purpose of having a Parliament,” he said.
Addressing the importance of the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah highlighted its significance in a diverse and multicultural nation such as Malaysia.
He stressed the importance of maintaining such institutions for the well-being of current and future generations.
He further underscored the importance of strengthening the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, not just by increasing its powers but also by implementing the most effective measures.
He emphasised that the focus should be on fortifying the institution itself rather than the individual figures associated with it.
This will allow the institution to better serve the people and administration, he said.
Expressing his views on potential changes to the system, he cautioned against making hasty decisions.
Al-Sultan Abdullah asserted that changing the system or the prime minister frequently does not guarantee positive outcomes.
He suggested allowing a sufficient period of at least three to four years before gauging the performance of the prime minister, emphasising that evaluating such matters requires time.
Yesterday marked the end of Al-Sultan Abdullah’s reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia’s head of state.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, 64, took the oath of office as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 31, 2019. – January 31, 2024