IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has advised state political leaders to find the best formula to form a new state government and choose a new Menteri Besar.
A member of Dewan Negara Perak, Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini explained that it is not the responsibility of the ruler to interfere in state political parties' negotiations.
"The Sultan can only advise them, but not interfere in matters relating to the respective parties.
"The Sultan has told them to find the best formula to form a state government and to find a new leader.
"Sultan Nazrin has listened to all state party leaders' views and it is not his responsibility to interfere in their business," he said.
Annuar said this at a press conference outside Istana Kinta here, today.
He added that Umno president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is expected to have an audience with the Sultan of Perak on Sunday.
"He is expected to have an audience with the Sultan at 10am tomorrow. Today, three opposition state leaders had an audience with Sultan Nazrin.
"They presented their views, the current political situation and their stand," he said.
The three opposition leaders from Perak Pakatan Harapan were Perak DAP chairman, Nga Kor Ming; Perak PKR chairman, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak; and Perak Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) chairman, Datuk Asmuni Awi.
They left Istana Kinta at 11.35am, after having a 20-minute discussion with the ruler.
The trio was followed by Perak Umno chairman Datuk Saarani Mohamad, who was seen entering the palace at 11.37am and leaving about half an hour later.
It is believed the meetings were held to discuss Friday's vote of confidence against Ahmad Faizal, which saw the Chenderiang assemblyman fail to secure a simple majority of support from fellow assemblymen.
The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president was only backed by 10 out of 59 assemblymen, with 48 voting against the motion, and one spoilt vote.
The motion was tabled by Pengkalan Baru assemblyman, Datuk Abdul Manaf Hashim and seconded by Temenggor assemblyman, Salbiah Mohamad and Pasir Pinji assemblyman, Howard Lee Chuan How.
On Friday, Sultan Nazrin met Ahmad Faizal, state Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, state Legal Advisor Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin and state Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Kalid on political developments in the state following the failed vote of confidence.