Istana Negara the centre of attention again on Nov 22

KUALA LUMPUR: As the wait for a new government continues, all eyes are on Istana Negara with media personnel camping outside since dawn Tuesday (Nov 22).

As of 9.30am, no vehicles carrying political leaders have arrived at Gate 2 of Istana Negara where members of the press and police are keeping a close watch.

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Leaders of political parties and coalitions were initially expected to submit statutory declarations (SD) in support of their alliance and choice of prime minister before a 2pm Monday (Nov 21) deadline.

However, this was later extended by 24 hours.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah advised all Malaysians to be calm and patient as they await the formation of a new government.

When asked about the latest developments, His Majesty told the media to refer to statements issued by the palace.

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Bernama also reported that caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob arrived at Istana Negara Monday for an audience with His Royal Highness.

Although the purpose of Ismail Sabri's audience with the King is unclear, it is believed he was summoned.

On Monday, Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the coalition had submitted SDs by Members of Parliament supporting coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the 10th Prime Minister.

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Hamzah further said that more than 112 SDs were sent to Istana Negara in line with Article 43 of the Federal Constitution informing the King that Muhyiddin had secured the needed majority support.

There is also the question over the position of Barisan Nasional, which is being courted by both Perikatan and Pakatan Harapan.

Barisan's supreme council is reportedly meeting with all its MPs at 11am to decide.

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In Sabah, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has declared support for Muhyiddin, while its partner in the state government, Sabah Barisan, has said it will abide by the central leadership's decision.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg initially said it would support a coalition comprising Perikatan, Barisan and GRS.

Since then, his GPS partner Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said such a pact would depend on the outcome of negotiations to form the Federal Government in Peninsular Malaysia.