Agong: Political Crisis That Plagued The Nation For 4 Years Could Have Been Avoided
"It will be recorded in history that I'm the only Agong who has been 'blessed' to reign over the country with four prime ministers," the Agong said, amidst laughter, during his Royal Address today, 13 February.
By Sadho Ram — 13 Feb 2023, 02:01 PM — Updated almost 2 years ago
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today, 13 February, stated that the political crisis that plagued the nation for the past four years could have been avoided
During his Royal Address from the throne at the opening of the first meeting of the second term of the 15th Parliament, Sultan Abdullah, for the first time, shared his personal experience of facing four different governments and the political crisis that plagued the nation since his appointment as the Agong in 2019.
The Agong said that if the events that led to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's resignation — the Sheraton Move — did not occur, we would have avoided the political crisis that plagued the nation for almost four years.
"If the events that led to the resignation of the seventh prime minister did not happen, the chain of political crisis that lasted until the 15th General Election (GE15) could have been avoided," Sultan Abdullah said, adding, "More importantly, the political crisis that plagued the nation for almost four years could have been avoided if members of parliament (MPs) set aside their differences and unite in the interests of the people."
The Agong said he hopes Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be the last candidate before his five-year reign ends next year
"I hope the 10th Prime Minister is the last one for me before I return to Pahang Darul Makmur," he said.
"To this day, I have gone through various unforgettable incidents and experiences. It will be recorded in history that I'm the only Agong who has been 'blessed' to reign over the country with four prime ministers," he added. The Agong's remark reportedly prompted laughter from the August House.
According to the Agong, he has no intention of getting involved in the nation's politics, "let alone get involved in political manoeuvres"
However, while recounting the events that happened since the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government, the Agong said that he was "brought into the country's political crisis" for the first time on 24 February 2020.
"Following the discretionary powers given to me by the Federal Constitution, I found that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin had obtained the majority to be appointed as the eighth prime minister on 1 March 2020. But unfortunately, he also resigned on 16 August 2021. Therefore, I was again forced to bear the responsibility to choose and appoint a new prime minister," he said.
The ninth prime minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, was appointed on 21 August 2021.
"After GE15 was completed, for the first time in the country's democratic history, it was facing a hung parliament. Therefore, I again had to bear the great responsibility of choosing and appointing the prime minister," he said.
"At the age of 66, we should have matured to make our unique differences as a main ingredient in the formation of a Malaysia that is respectful, tolerant, loving, and living in unity," he added.
While congratulating Anwar for successfully proving the legitimacy of his role as prime minister last year, the Agong advised politicians to respect the August House and serve with honesty to the people
"On 30 January 2024, I will end my term. Therefore, this will be the last time I will present my speech here at the August House. Put aside your political agendas and unite for the sake of unity," he said.
The current Dewan Rakyat sitting is for 29 days until 30 March.
