Political leaders arrive at Istana Negara

KUALA LUMPUR: The heads of major political parties have arrived for the scheduled audience with the King at Istana Negara on Tuesday (Aug 17).

Among the first who arrived was PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man at 1.34pm followed by Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir at 1.52pm in a black Toyota Vellfire.

Shortly after, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrives in a white Lexus at 1.55pm.

The Bagan Datuk MP wound down his window and waved to reporters as he drove into the palace.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu arrived subsequently at 1.56pm.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived at Gate 2 for the audience at 1.59pm.

Palace sources have told The Star that the audience granted by the King isn’t a private session and it will involve discussions among the heads of major political parties on who should form the next government following Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation as prime minister.

“All heads of major political parties will be summoned for the audience,” said the source briefly.

On Monday (Aug 16), Muhyiddin announced his decision to resign as prime minister, saying it was in accordance with the Federal Constitution as he no longer commanded majority support of the Dewan Rakyat.

The Perikatan Nasional government was led by Muhyiddin since March last year.

More to come