KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has accepted Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's resignation along with his cabinet today.
In a statement posted on the Istana Negara Facebook page today, Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the King has consented to Muhyiddin taking over the role of caretaker prime minister until his successor is appointed.
The Ruler also opined that the execution of the 15th General Election (GE15) is not the best option (to appoint a new government) after taking into consideration the safety and wellbeing of the people during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
"This is in accordance with Article 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution which states that His Majesty must appoint a member of the Dewan Rakyat who in his opinion commands the confidence of the majority of Dewan Rakyat members as the new Prime Minister to chair the cabinet.
"His Majesty also expressed his appreciation to Muhyiddin and the cabinet members for their services to the country and the administration under Perikatan Nasional (PN) since March 1, 2020, especially in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
"As the Head of State, His Majesty understands and respects the country's legal system and processes and also respects any decision made by Muhyiddin in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the rule of law," the statement said.
Earlier at 12.30pm today, Muhyiddin had an audience with the King for 30 minutes, right after the caretaker prime minister chaired his last cabinet meeting this morning.
On GE15, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was of the opinion that a nationwide poll was not a viable option given the severity of the current pandemic.
During an audience with the King on Aug 10, the Election Commission chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh, according to the statement by the palace, had told the Yang di-Pertuan Agong that 79 per cent of state constituencies are currently under Covid-19 red zones.
"Therefore, His Majesty opined that the execution of GE15 is not the best option for the welfare and safety of the people.
"His Majesty conveyed his hope that the ongoing and endless political crisis that has disrupted the governance of the country will end for the sake of the people and the country's economy which are being threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.