Stop calling PN a ‘backdoor government’, says Selangor sultan
(FMT) – The Selangor sultan has called on the people to stop referring to the Perikatan Nasional (PN)-led federal administration as a “backdoor government”.
In his speech at the opening ceremony of the Selangor state legislative assembly’s third sitting of its 14th session, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said claims that the new government was formed through “the back door” or a power grab were inaccurate.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has been given the power to use his discretion as provided for by the law,” he said, adding that he has been carefully following the political developments.
Critics of the new government, including Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, had labelled PN a “backdoor government” which did not receive the mandate of the people.
PN took federal power after a week of political turmoil which saw Dr Mahathir Mohamad resign as prime minister, bringing PH’s rule to an end.
Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed as the eighth prime minister after Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah held audiences with each of the country’s 222 MPs.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he did not want any of the state’s assemblymen to harbour intentions of wrecking havoc on the administration, but to instead strive towards ensuring political stability in the state.
“Even though the Selangor state government is led by PH, in the interest of the continued economic development and well-being of the people of Selangor, I hope for close cooperation between the Selangor government and the federal government.”
He added that he did not want to see the people of Selangor left behind in matters of economic and social development due to political differences.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he was aware that the royalty should not be seen as directly involved in political matters, in line with parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy system.
“Nevertheless, as the sultan of my state, I am responsible for advising all members (of the state assembly) against irresponsible actions which can bring harm to my people.”
