Agong repeats call to not plunge nation into political uncertainty again

In a statement released through the Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, the monarch urged politicians to sort out their differences through discussions and the legal process instead of engaging in hostilities.

This came amid Umno's demand for new terms for it to remain in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

''With regard to the recent development in the country's political situation, His Royal Highness advised the people, particularly politicians, to self-reflect so that the country will not again be dragged into political uncertainty at a time when we are facing all kinds of problems and a difficult future due to the Covid-19 pandemic,'' Ahmad Fadil said.

He added that the monarch also reminded politicians about his speech when officiating the start of the Dewan Rakyat sitting in May.

''Sultan Abdullah repeated his decree to MPs, made during the opening of the third term of the 14th Parliament in May, to display maturity in politics and to display and appreciate the people's plight and not neglect their welfare.

''His Royal Highness stressed that politicians should not resort to hostility due to differences in opinion but should instead resolve their problems through negotiations and the legal process in accordance with the Federal Constitution,'' he said.

In his royal address made in May, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had urged MPs not to drag the nation into another round of political uncertainty.

''I would like to advise not to drag this country into another political uncertainty at a time when the people are facing hardship as a result of the (Covid-19) pandemic.

''It is also for this reason my government had decided to set the Parliament sitting for one day with my speech as the only agenda,'' he had said.

The ruler also urged MPs to set aside their animosity.

''Differences of opinion should lead to new ideas to unite the country, not otherwise. MPs must show political maturity and that they appreciate the people's plight,'' he said during his speech to the Dewan Rakyat.

Ahmad Fadil, in the statement today, said the ruler also decreed for all mosques nationwide to hold prayers for the country to be successful in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

''His Royal Highness advised the people to continue playing their respective roles and remain disciplined in obeying the standard operating procedures and best practices in assisting the authorities to combat the spread of Covid-19 for the sake of their own safety and the country's wellbeing,'' he added.（Malaysiakini)