Announcement of Dewan Rakyat special sitting is unofficial, says PKR comms director

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan deems the announcement of the special Dewan Rakyat session on March 2 by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as unofficial, pending a decree on the matter by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, says PKR strategic communications director Fahmi Fadzil.

"We have not receive any official notice, and as an MP, I have not received any official notice.

"We have to wait for notification from the Speaker," he told reporters after a Pakatan presidential council meeting on Thursday (Feb 27) night.

He said this was the only issue raised at the Pakatan presidential council meeting.

"As far as the presidential council is concerned, the statement (Dr Mahathir) is clear that there seems to be a breach in terms of calling for the first session of Parliament," he said.

He said that the Council of Rulers should be given the space to deliberate on the matter, with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong issuing a decree on it.

"For now, we should respect the Malay Rulers and accord them the space for them to deliberate and for the Agong to announce his decree.

"We shouldn't rush.

"After that is clear, then we can discuss when is the appropriate time with the Speaker in issuing instructions or notification on this matter," he added.

Asked if Dr Mahathir's proposal for a non-bipartisan government was discussed at the meeting, Fahmi said no.

He also said that it was too premature for Pakatan to hold discussions on preparing its election machinery, in the event of the political deadlock persisting.

Pakatan leaders, who left the meeting, refused to comment on the meeting when approached by newsmen waiting outside.

Earlier on Thursday, interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that a special Dewan Rakyat sitting will be convened on March 2 to determine who will be the next prime minister.

Dr Mahathir said this was the conclusion of his meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the Istana Negara earlier in the day.

“After meeting with Members of Parliament for two days, there was no prime minister candidate with a distinct majority.

“So, the King said the right forum to decide will be through Dewan Rakyat, ” said Dr Mahathir at a press conference after unveiling the Economic Stimulus Package 2020.

He added that if the Dewan Rakyat failed to determine who should be prime minister, a snap election would be called.