Post Ge15 Day 4 Asyraf Harapan Gentlemanly In Talks Unlike Stealthy Pn

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POST-GE15 DAY 4 | Malaysia is still searching for a prime minister after the country found itself with a hung Parliament for the first time following the 15th general election on Saturday.
Malaysiakini brings you snippets of key events as the day unfolds.
Umno youth chief lauds Harapan’s ‘gentlemanly’ approach in unity govt talks
6.46pm: Pakatan Harapan was more ‘gentlemanly’ in its approach to collaborate with BN to form a unity government after the 15th general election (GE15), an Umno leader has said.
According to Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, the meeting between the two coalitions’ leadership two days ago discussed the terms and Harapan’s offer in forming the government.
“The Harapan leadership was more ‘gentlemanly’ and ‘civilised’ by officially meeting seven of BN’s top leaders to express their interest in working together.
“PN (Perikatan Nasional), meanwhile, is still up to its old tricks of making silent ‘dealings’ and ‘stealing’ 10 MPs to sign statutory declarations (SDs) supporting (PN chairperson) Muhyiddin Yassin as the PM,” Asyraf wrote on Facebook today.
The earlier scheduled meetings with PN were postponed twice due to the coalition’s “stealthy dealings”, he added.
“Whatever the case, (BN’s) supreme council will study the offers made by both Harapan and PN, and will agree to the decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for BN to be a part of a unity government.”
Agong tells GPS to support unity govt, coalition to decide
6pm: The Agong has asked GPS to support a unity government, Petra Jaya MP-elect Fadillah Yusof says.
He says, however, the GPS delegates to the palace were not able to give a definitive answer to the monarch and they had to take the royal advice back to the coalition’s leadership to decide.
Fadillah Yusof“His Majesty has given his advice and the four of us who had the audience replied that we could not decide whether we agree or not because the decision lies with GPS’ top leadership.
“At the same time, we (GPS) will obey whatever the decision is made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” The Borneo Post quotes him as saying.
BN wants counter-offer, will pick Harapan or PN tonight
5.10pm: The BN-Perikatan Nasional (PN) meeting at St Regis Hotel has concluded.
Those in attendance were Mohamad Hasan, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Arthur Joseph Kurup, and M Saravanan from BN.
PN's representatives were Muhyiddin Yassin, Abdul Hadi Awang, Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Radzi Jidin, Dominic Lau, Hamzah Zainudin, and Ronald Kiandee.
Media personnel outside of the St Regis Hotel entranceMalaysiakini's B Nantha Kumar learned that BN had explained to PN the offer BN received from Harapan, and wants a counter-offer in writing for them to evaluate tonight.
Anwar hands out popcorn to media
4.55pm: Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim leaves his office in Bukit Gasing after about five hours of meeting party leaders, several MPs and other visitors.
Anwar declines to reveal any matters discussed or his destination as he leaves the mansion in a car.
Instead, he once again jokes that he's "going to the movies" and even hands out a bag of popcorn.
Pakatan Harapan’s Anwar Ibrahim"I'm going to watch a movie, here have some popcorn," says Anwar.
His staff later hands out more bags of popcorn to the media.
MCA, MIC leaders confirm Zahid’s letter to king
4.50pm: MCA and MIC leaders have outed BN chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, confirming that a letter to the Agong expressing BN's support for Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim is real.
MIC president SA Vigneswaran and MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon both say that Zahid was confronted about the letter during last night's BN supreme council meeting.
BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid HamidiChong says Zahid initially denied it but later confirmed sending the letter - prompting an uproar as this was against BN's decision to stay in the opposition and not side with any coalition.
MCA is calling for Zahid to be replaced with BN deputy chief Mohamad Hasan.
Read more: Tempers flare over 'Anwar for PM' letter to palace, MCA wants Zahid out
Ignore rumours on Pahang talks - Tuan Ibrahim
4.30pm: PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man admits that he has been involved in a series of meetings with Umno's Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail on the need for “political stability” in Pahang.
However, he suggests that rumours of "conditions" being set for the talks are inaccurate and should be ignored.
"Our discussions are about having harmony (in Pahang) and political stability so that we can focus on development, welfare and efforts to improve ties between the two parties," Tuan Ibrahim writes on Facebook.
Pahang is facing a hung state assembly situation. Perikatan Nasional has the most seats (17) followed by BN (16) - both short of the 21 needed for a simple majority.
However, Pahang Pakatan Harapan, which has eight seats, has pledged its support for BN to form a state government.
Mat Hasan, Ismail Sabri at St Regis
3.40pm: The media has spotted Umno leaders at the St Regis Hotel including Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan and vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
As mentioned earlier, Nazir Abdul Razak is also at the hotel but it is unclear if he is taking part in the BN-Perikatan Nasional meeting.
Nazir later clarifies via Instagram that he was only at the hotel for lunch with friends.
Read more: BN and PN leaders to meet today
Meanwhile, MCA president Wee Ka Siong posted on social media that he is at the party headquarters attending to party matters.
MCA’s Wee Ka SiongThe move appears aimed at distancing MCA from the St Regis meeting.
‘Just an ordinary meeting’
3.30pm: PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad says it’s “just an ordinary meeting” as he walks into Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim's office at Bukit Gasing, joining other party leaders who arrived earlier.
Not long after, former PKR senator Yusmadi Yusoff rides out of the mansion on his motorcycle.
PKR’s Yusmadi Yusoff on his motorcycle outside Anwar’s officeOthers who were seen leaving include Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, Parti Cinta Malaysia president Anifah Aman and Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil.
Outside the mansion, two canvas tents and more chairs are set up to shelter the media.
Poser over Zahid's 'letter' to palace
3.15pm: Ketereh Umno division chief Annuar Musa is calling for investigations on a letter purportedly written by the Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
This letter alleges that all 30 BN MPs are backing Pakatan Harapan chief Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister, which is not true based on what some BN leaders told reporters after their supreme council meeting last night.
Adam Adli urges people not to use racial sentiments
2pm: PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim arrives at Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim's office in Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Unlike the party's senior leaders driving into the mansion in their heavily tinted vehicles, the newly elected Hang Tuah Jaya MP walks up the path towards waiting media personnel.
Adam says matters up for discussion include the rising use of racial sentiments to incite hate, particularly among the youth.
"Please don't use racial sentiments.
"Don't destroy national interest for self or political interest. GE15 is over already," he adds.
Shortly after, a pick-up truck arrives with red plastic chairs for the media, with some quipping there's no need to fight for the seats.
Visitors flock to Muhyiddin’s house
2.10pm: Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin has left the St Regis Hotel and is now at Bukit Damansara.
A flurry of visitors has descended upon Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief Muhyiddin Yassin's residence since the latter returned home at around 12pm.
PN claims to have 115 seats, although the statutory declarations collected have been thrown into question after BN decided to remain neutral.
PKR leaders gather at Anwar’s office
1.40pm: PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail arrives at Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim's office in Bukit Gasing.
Others seen arriving earlier include PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli and Sungai Buloh MP R Ramanan.
Anwar's office is one of several locations today where political party leaders are in meetings to form the new government.
Conference of Rulers to meet tomorrow
1.20pm: The race for Putrajaya will not be resolved today.
In a statement, the palace says the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be meeting the Conference of Rulers tomorrow.
This is so His Majesty can get the views of the other rulers before making a decision on the appointment of a prime minister.
The king asks the public to remain patient, explaining that deciding the country's future must be done diligently.
The monarch is reportedly pushing for a unity government, a proposal that Perikatan Nasional has rejected.
BN-PN meeting rumours
1pm: A vehicle believed to belong to Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin is spotted at the St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
The MPV, with the same plate, had frequented Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief Muhyiddin Yassin's residence yesterday.
Also spotted at the hotel earlier was Nazir Abdul Razak - who leads the Better Malaysia Assembly, a group that aims to become a non-partisan platform to propose reforms and "reset" national institutions and systems. He is also former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s brother.
Earlier, speculation was rife that a meeting between BN and PN leaders would take place at the hotel, although no BN MPs or other PN leaders including Muhyiddin have been spotted.
BN MPs reportedly retract support to PN at 11th hour
12.50pm: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has reportedly lost the numbers required to form the government after 10 BN MPs withdrew their support via statutory declarations (SDs) at the last minute yesterday.
New Straits Times reports that the BN MPs sent the retraction of their support to the palace via email around 2pm yesterday.
This was purportedly the reason why the palace decided neither PN nor Pakatan Harapan had the majority.
Yesterday, PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin claimed his coalition already submitted 115 SDs to the palace but that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said it was not enough.
Anwar back in Gasing, serves lunch to the press
12pm: Pakatan Harapan leader Anwar Ibrahim "tengok wayang" trip sees him at his office in Bukit Gasing, instead.
Not long after he arrives, Anwar comes outside and tells reporters: "Good news! Lunch is served"
He then hands out packets of nasi ayam goreng kunyit to the press.
Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional chief Muhyiddin Yassin is also back home at Bukit Damansara after leaving for about two hours.
GPS reps leave palace
11:56am: Several cars believed to be carrying Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) representatives leave Istana Negara.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) Alexander Nanta Linggi waves to the media upon his exit.
GPS’ Alexander Nanta Linggi leaving the palaceMalaysiakini reported earlier that Alexander, alongside Sarawak United People's Party's (SUPP) Richard Riot, Parti Rakyat Sarawak's Aaron Ago Dagang and PBB’s Fadillah Yusof would be meeting the king.
It remains unclear who the fifth representative is.
NGOs want king to speed up process
11:45am: A coalition of Malay-Muslim NGOs has called on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to speed up the process of forming a government.
About 50 of its members hold up a sign that reads: “Your Majesty, listen to the plight of the ummah.”
They also chant “Allahuakbar” (God is most great).
Bersatu Youth chief Asyraf Mustaqim and Semboyan Malaysia Consumers Association Yusof Azmi were spotted among them.
Anwar going off to 'tengok wayang'
11.40am: According to Sin Chew Daily, Anwar Ibrahim is finally leaving his home in Kajang.
The Pakatan Harapan premier candidate quips to awaiting reporters that he is about to "tengok wayang" (watch a movie).
Pakatan Harapan’s Anwar IbrahimThis could mean two things - firstly, he could be literally going to the cinema.
Secondly, he could be sarcastically suggesting that he will be observing what his political opponents are up to.
GPS still backing Muhyiddin
11.30am: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is still supporting Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief Muhyiddin Yassin, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's (PBB) Fadillah Yusof tells Sin Chew Daily.
GPS’ Fadillah YusofHe says the Sarawak coalition's stance has not changed.
He also confirms that GPS will be meeting the Agong today.
Zahid, Mat Hasan exit Istana Negara
11.24am: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and party deputy president Mohamad Hasan leave Istana Negara in separate cars.
They wave at the press as they make their exit.
However, it is believed that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) representatives are inside the palace to meet with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Umno’s Ahmad Zahid Hamidi waves as he exits the palaceUmno top duo at Istana Negara
10.45am: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his deputy Mohamad Hasan arrive at Istana Negara in separate cars.
It is understood that the BN secretary-general is riding with Zahid.
There are no signs of other BN MPs so far.
Yesterday, Istana Negara summoned the 30 BN MPs for an audience at 10.30am today.
Malaysiakini reporter Raveena Nagotra will be giving us live updates from Istana Negara today.
Pahang deal imminent?
10.33am: PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man posts a photograph of him posing with Pahang Umno chief Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail on Facebook.
PAS’ Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (sixth from left) next to Umno’s Wan Rosdy Wan IsmailHis caption reads: "Pray for the best for Pahang. God willing."
There's no indication of when or where the two met.
Pahang is experiencing a hung assembly situation and both Perikatan National and Pakatan Harapan are courting BN to join them.
Muhyiddin leaves residence
10.10am: Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin is leaving his Bukit Damansara residence. He didn't speak to the press.
Top PN leaders have been gathering at his residence since Sunday as they wait for a new prime minister to be appointed.
The property is just a short 10-minute drive from Istana Negara.
Ummah not organising rally
10am: Gerakan Pembela Ummah (Ummah) clarifies that it is not organising any rally today, despite social media posts claiming otherwise.
The group urges the public to remain patient while the Yang di-Pertuan Agong attempts to appoint a prime minister.
Police beef up security
9.30am: Security at Istana Negara is heavier than before with the presence of more armed police personnel.
Malaysiakini readers throughout the Klang Valley are also reporting heavier-than-usual traffic due to police roadblocks.
Puad challenges Muhyiddin to show his numbers
9am: Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi has challenged Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin to show the purported list of 115 MPs supporting him.
PN’s prime minister candidate Muhyiddin Yassin"Who knows? There might be BN MPs on the list.
"If he refuses, not only will Istana Negara not believe him, the rakyat won't either," says Puad on his Facebook today.
Will BN MPs get their postponement?
8.30am: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is supposed to interview 30 BN MPs at 10.30am today.
It is uncertain if that is going to happen since the BN supreme council sought a postponement last night.
Both Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional will need BN's 30 MPs for a simple majority.
Meanwhile, several Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders are expected to be summoned to Istana Negara later today.
[More to follow] - Mkini

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