KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 — Malaysia’s eight state Rulers spent about two hours at Istana Negara here today in a meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the rest of the country waits for a decision on who will be their 10th prime minister.
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had convened a meeting of the Conference of Rulers this morning to consult his fellow Malay Rulers for a way out of the post-electoral stalemate.
Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar was the first to arrive at 9.40am and also the first to depart at 11.50am.
He was followed by Negri Sembilan Ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at 11.55am.
The remaining rulers started leaving Istana Negara from 12.40pm onwards beginning with Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah, Terengganu’s Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail and finally Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah who left at around 1.10pm.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is on the cusp of finally becoming Malaysia’s prime minister, while Umno’s Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan could also be made a deputy prime minister in a unity government, talk of which has gained momentum since yesterday.