PETALING JAYA: According to Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah handled the competing demands from different political coalitions effectively and impartially after the 15th General Election (GE15). No single political coalition won enough seats to form the government after GE15. Fadillah, who belongs to the Sarawak coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), stated that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong ordered all coalitions to nominate a candidate for the 10th Prime Minister who had the confidence of the majority. On November 23, the GPS delegation, consisting of Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem and Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, met His Majesty at Istana Negara. Fadillah mentioned that at this meeting, Sultan Abdullah proposed the establishment of a unity government to solve the political impasse. GPS accepted the idea after realizing that His Majesty had the country’s well-being at heart. After the unity government proposal received support from Barisan Nasional, GPS, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, and Pakatan Harapan, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became the 10th Prime Minister. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also recalled the meetings with Sultan Abdullah during the critical period after the GE15 results. Saifuddin Nasution stated that on November 22, Tuanku summoned Anwar to the palace and proposed a ‘unity government,’ which Anwar agreed to. Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi commended Sultan Abdullah for his unity government idea, as it reflected the spirit of tolerance and cooperation. Ahmad Zahid mentioned that His Majesty sought to nurture understanding and build a harmonious, inclusive nation. Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan praised Sultan Abdullah’s reign, noting that it showcased how Malaysia’s unique political system can harmoniously co-exist with tradition and modernity. The Defence Minister highlighted His Majesty’s pivotal role in ensuring a compassionate and effective response to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to him, the appointment of three different Prime Ministers during Sultan Abdullah’s reign demonstrates his commitment to stability, democracy, and the rule of law. Each decision made in a collective manner, with consultation from fellow Rulers through the Conference of Rulers, revitalized the significance and relevance of this conference in the modern era.
