Anwar: I pleaded with King not to extend Emergency beyond Aug 1 as it will bring adverse economic effects

PETALING JAYA: During his hour-long audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he pleaded to His Majesty not to extend the Emergency beyond Aug 1.

Anwar said he highlighted that any extension beyond Aug 1 could only bring adverse effects to the country, especially the economy that had been battered by the worsening Covid-19 pandemic.

"We gave our views that an extension of the Emergency would affect the economy, especially ordinary citizens.

"There are other steps that can be taken. There isn't a need for an Emergency. So we pleaded with Tuanku not to extend it," he told reporters when met outside Gate 2 at Istana Negara on Wednesday (June 9).

Anwar arrived at the Palace at 10.35am for an audience with the Al-Sultan Abdulllah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Anwar said he was touched as the King was up-to-date and well-versed with current developments.

When asked if they spoke on the possibility of a change of government, Anwar said it was not brought up.

"That is an issue that does not arise at this point," he said.

Anwar also said that during the audience, he submitted reports and research papers to Sultan Abdullah.

On reconvening Parliament, Anwar noted that His Majesty had decreed earlier that Parliament could be held, provided that the government agrees.

"I explained this because there are different perceptions of this issue, as if Parliament should not be reconvened," he added.

Anwar also said he touched on issues pertaining to foreign investment, as well as the confidence of investors and Malaysians as a whole.

He also thanked Sultan Abdullah for granting him an audience to air his views.

The first to have an audience with the King on Wednesday was Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who arrived at 7.55am for his routine weekly audience before his scheduled Cabinet meeting.

It is understood that the Agong will meet heads of major political parties over the next few days to deliberate the current political landscape amidst the Emergency that is set to end on Aug 1.