Mahathir said theelection needs to be expedited because he has to have an audience with the kingon certain matters.
Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama reportedon January 7 that PM Mahathir made his wish after opening the Terengganu officeof Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).
He said the government accepts the decision of the Sultan of Kelantan, SultanMuhammad V, to step down as it is in accordance with the constitution.
Asked about Sultan Muhammad V’s successor, Mahathir said that the government wouldnot interfere in the matter and the final decision lay with the Conference ofRulers.
In a related development, the Conference of Rulers on January 7 convened ameeting to discuss and fix a date for electing the new king. The meeting, whichdrew the participation of six out of nine sultans, decided to let the Sultan ofPerak. Sultan Nazrin Shah, who is the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong (vice king), act as the acting king of Malaysia.-VNA