“If the events that led to the resignation of the 7th prime minister (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) did not happen, the chain of political battles that lasted until the 15th general election could have been avoided,” Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said in his address at the opening of the first meeting of the second session of the 15th Parliament today.

“More importantly, the political crisis that plagued the nation for almost four years could have been avoided if MPs and politicians had set aside their differences and unite in the interests of the people and country.”

Sultan Abdullah recounted the events that happened since the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government in 2020, including his swearing-in of three different prime ministers during that time.

“I hope the 10th prime minister is the last (under my reign) before I return to Pahang Darul Makmur (when my tenure ends),” he said, referring to Anwar Ibrahim.

The King also said that throughout his tenure, he only carried out his duties in accordance with the oath he took.

“I have no intention of getting involved in the nation’s politics, let alone get involved in political manoeuvres,” he said.

Sultan Abdullah stressed the importance of plurality, unity and tolerance as among the foundations Malaysia was built on.

He called on all politicians to respect and accept the results of the 15th general election with an “open heart”, and to focus on prioritising economic recovery and the interests of the people.

The Dewan Rakyat will meet for 29 days until March 30.

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