More political leaders meet Agong on day three of audience

UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was the first to make his way to the palace today, arriving at 9.55 am and leaving at 11 am.

Ahmad Zahid, speaking to reporters outside the palace gates, said his discussion with Al-Sultan Abdullah revolved around several matters concerning the people's interests.

The Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament said among others he conveyed UMNO's stand that the Emergency should not be extended beyond Aug 1 and instead issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic can be better managed if the Emergency was lifted.

He said the people were generally worried and anxious about the pandemic as it had affected their incomes and livelihoods.

"UMNO's stand is that Parliament should meet to protect the country's system of democracy and to provide for accountability and checks and balances in all aspects of the country's administration.

"UMNO is of the view that Parliament is an important official platform for voicing out the people's concerns and interests," Ahmad Zahid said.

Asked on former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposal on the setting up of a National Operations Council (NOC), he said this matter was not discussed during his audience.

MIC president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran also went for his audience, entering the palace at 10.45 am and leaving almost one hour later, without stopping to speak to reporters.

Leaders of political parties including from the opposition have been summoned for audiences with His Majesty beginning Wednesday. Leaders from Sarawak are scheduled to have a virtual audience with Al-Sultan Abdullah on June 14.

So far, 10 leaders have been granted audiences by Al-Sultan Abdullah.

This afternoon, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), was seen entering Istana Negara at about 2.15 pm and leaving at 3.24 pm.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was the first leader to go to the palace, for his weekly audience to brief the King on developments regarding the country's administration.

Later that day, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PKR president, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu were also granted separate audiences by Al-Sultan Abdullah.

Yesterday, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who is Environment and Water Minister and was representing PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, and MCA president and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong were also granted audiences by His Majesty.

They were followed by Dr Mahathir, who is Parti Pejuang Tanah Air pro tem chairman, and Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.