KUALA LUMPUR • Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed hope that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be the last leader to be appointed as Malaysia’s prime minister (PM) during his reign as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said since holding office on Jan 31, 2019, he had shouldered heavy responsibilities to select and appoint four different PMs, starting with the 7th PM, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, followed by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Anwar.
“Until today, I have gone through various events and experiences that are difficult for me to forget.
“It has been written in the country’s history that I am the only Yang di-Pertuan Agong who has been given good health to rule the country with four different PMs and Cabinet line-ups.
“I hope that the 10th PM is the last one for me before I return to Pahang Darul Makmur,” His Majesty said in his Royal Address at the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Second Session of the 15th Parliament today.
Elaborating, the King said he had no intention of interfering in the country’s political affairs or arranging the political landscape.
However, based on his observation, His Majesty believed that if the episodes leading to the resignation of the 7th PM did not happen, the continuous political turmoil which led to the 15th General Election could have been avoided.
“Most importantly, the political crisis that went on for almost four years can be avoided if MPs and politicians were ready to put aside their differences and stand united on the basis of protecting the interests of my subjects and our beloved country.
“After 66 years (of independence), we should have been mature enough to make our unique differences as the main ingredient in creating a Malaysian nation that is loving, respectful, tolerant and able to live in unity,” said His Majesty.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said that if diversity and political issues continue to cause conflicts and division, he fears that the desired peace and progress will not become a reality. – Bernama