Sultan not convinced any party has simple majority

IPOH: The Perak Sultan, Sultan Nazrin Shah (pic), is not convinced that any party in the state has a simple majority to form the new state government, according to a spokesman for the palace.

Perak Dewan Negara member Mohd Annuar Zaini said Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders had met the ruler Tuesday followed by state Umno chief Saarani Mohamad, who had briefed Sultan Nazrin on the status of negotiations with various parties.

“When His Majesty is convinced that a party has a simple majority, only then can the swearing-in ceremony be conducted,” he said.

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When asked why former menteri besar Zambry Abd Kadir was also called for an audience, Annuar said Saarani was the one who requested for Zambry to join him, which the Sultan consented to.

Annuar also confirmed that Titi Serong Assemblyman Hasnul Zulkarnain Abd Munaim also appeared before the Sultan, but he could not say in what capacity.

Hasnul joined PPBM in June after leaving Amanah in March following the political turmoil that saw the federal government and some state governments change hands.

Meanwhile, Perak PAS has been instructed not to have an audience with the Sultan.

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Perak PAS Commissioner Razman Zakaria was supposed to have an audience with the Perak Ruler at 3pm, after being summoned alongside assemblymen of other parties following the political crisis in the state.

According to a source, the Islamist party was instructed by its central leadership to not accept the invitation.

Mohd Annuar said the purpose of the audience was for the ruler to hear their stand regarding the appointment of a new menteri besar.

As of 2.55pm, leaders from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition - Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming and Perak PKR chairman Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, were seen entering the palace.

Perak Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) chairman Datuk Asmuni Awi arrived at 3.05pm.