In a statement, Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the King made the decision to avoid a fourth wave of Covid-19 outbreaks, with another date for the by-election to be set later on.

He said the King made the decision after being briefed by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who had an audience with the former at 4pm today.

The King had also been briefed by the Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali, Attorney-General Idrus Harun, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and Election Commission chief Abdul Ghani Salleh.

“Sultan Abdullah is greatly concerned about the safety of the people following the surge in new clusters and daily Covid-19 cases in the country since the 16th Sabah state election held on Sept 26.

“Hence, His Majesty is of the view that it is necessary to postpone this by-election for the safety of the people and welfare of the country,” he said.

De facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan had previously said Putrajaya might request the Agong to declare a state of emergency in Batu Sapi or Sarawak in order to delay the polls there.

Article 150 of the Federal Constitution states that the King has the power to declare an emergency over the whole country or a part of it.

The Batu Sapi by-election was supposed to be held on Dec 5, following the passing of its previous MP, Liew Vui Keong.

The King also advised the people to be disciplined and to help the authorities curb the spread of the pandemic, while expressing his gratitude to frontliners for their strength and sacrifice.

“His Majesty also extends his condolence to the family members of victims of Covid-19 and hopes that they remain strong in facing this trial.

“Sultan Abdullah also calls on everyone to join His Majesty in praying that the Covid-19 virus can be dealt with effectively and to put an end to it as soon as possible,” said Ahmad Fadil.