Istana Negara denies delaying Dr M's appointment as PM

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, a former prime minister, has won a bitterly contested election.

PETALING JAYA: Istana Negara has strongly refuted allegations that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V delayed the appointment of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) as Prime Minister.

"His Majesty has faithfully carried out his duties and functions in accordance to the Federal Constitution in appointing Tun Dr Mahathir as Prime Minister," said Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Haji Ab Aziz.

"His Majesty strongly supports and respects the democratic process and the wishes of his subjects," he said in a statement Thursday.

Istana Negara confirmed that it had received a letter from Pakatan Harapan component party leaders at 1.38pm on Thursday (May 10), supporting the appointment of Dr Mahathir as Malaysia's seventh Prime Minister.

The Istana also received the official results from the Election Commission at 2.45pm the same day.

Sultan Muhammad had met with PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, and Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu at 5pm after he verified the documents.

"His Majesty, after having interviewed them and listened to their views, decided to invite Tun Dr Mahathir to form the next Federal Government pursuant to Article 43(2a) of the Federal Constitution," said Wan Ahmad.

Dr Mahathir will be sworn in as Prime Minister at 9.30pm on Thursday.

"His Majesty looks forward to working with Tun Dr Mahathir and his administration for the betterment of our nation and all its people," said Wan Ahmad.