IPOH, Nov 21 — Perak Ruler, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has given his consent to the formation of a unity government by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) today.

He also said that BN’s Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad will retain the position of Perak mentri besar.

Speaking to reporters outside Istana Kinta here, Perak Royal Comptroller Datuk Seri Anuar Zaini said that Perikatan Nasional (PN) representatives had an audience with Sultan Nazrin but nothing came to fruition.

"Due to an understanding that has been reached, only one name has been proposed by Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional which is Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad,” he told the media.

He also said that the Sultan has decreed that Saarani is sworn in at Istana Iskadariah in Kuala Kangsar at 5:30pm today.

Earlier today, Perak Amanah chairman Asmuni Asi has announced that PH will be forming the state government due to a consensus that has been reached with BN.

PH managed to garner 24 seats, while BN managed to get nine seats. PN only managed to get 26 out of the 59 seats available. Thirty seats are needed before a political coalition can form a simple majority.

Earlier today, it was reported that PH and BN MPs had a meeting at Umno headquarters purportedly to discuss a possible unity government at the federal level.

Previously, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that he has enough support to form the next federal government.

Earlier today, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabi Yaakob said that the coalition is seeking an extension to the 2pm deadline issued by Istana Negara for the submission of statutory declarations (SDs) for any coalition to form the federal government and nominate a prime minister.