King assures palace will not be involved in political manoeuvres - PM

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong today gave assurance that the palace would not get involved in any political manoeuvres, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

This was relayed in a pre-cabinet meeting between the prime minister and the king today.

"His Majesty decreed that I, as prime minister, and the Madani government continue our work administering the country.

"His Majesty also decreed that the palace would not be involved in any political manoeuvres," Anwar said in a statement today.

This comes amid persistent rumours that the opposition is trying to stage a political coup and unseat the Anwar administration.

"I also suggested that if anyone wants to donate RM500 million or RM750 million, it should be channelled directly to the poor and needy in the country," Anwar added.

It is unclear what Anwar meant by this remark.

However, it may be in reference to allegations that a large sum of money is being spent to entice government MPs to defect.

By convention, the prime minister has an audience with the Agong one day before cabinet convenes to inform the monarch about what would be discussed by the ministers.

The current Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, will end his reign as king on Jan 30.

He will be succeeded by Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

Last week, Sultan Ibrahim said he would not be granting any audiences other than those already scheduled until after he is crowned as Agong on Jan 31.

The statement came after allegations surfaced that the opposition purportedly had 120 statutory declarations on hand to form the next government.

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