Agong holds pre-cabinet meeting with PM via video conference

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today convened the pre-cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin via a video conference from Istana Negara.

Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said it was the first time such a meeting was held as the country entered the third phase of the movement control order (MCO) starting today to April 28 to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

“Al-Sultan Abdullah also consented that the weekly pre-cabinet meeting continues to be held via video conference throughout the MCO so that His Majesty will be able to discuss with Muhyiddin Yassin about current issues.

“This reflects Al-Sultan Abdullah’s great concern for the country’s administration and people’s wellbeing because, normally, His Majesty will go to Istana Melawati in Putrajaya for the pre-cabinet meetings,” he said in a statement here today.

Ahmad Fadil said the video conference, which began at 8.30 am, lasted about 45 minutes with His Majesty and the Prime Minister appeared friendly and were meticulous during their discussion.

During the video conference, Muhyiddin also extended his appreciation to Al-Sultan Abdullah for His Majesty’s concern and decision to forgo the Royal Emoluments for six months from March.

“Muhyiddin Yassin also thanked Al-Sultan Abdullah for the support given to the government to extend the MCO until April 28,” Ahmad Fadil said.

The pre-cabinet meeting is among the King’s weekly activities or routines, during which he would discuss current issues and exchange views with the Prime Minister.

The last time the pre-cabinet meeting was held was on March 18. 

The following week, both Al-Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the entire royal family were advised to observe self-quarantine for 14 days at Istana Negara after seven palace staff were tested positive for Covid-19.

During the quarantine, the royal couple and their family also underwent several screening processes conducted by the Health Ministry and were tested negative for the virus.

Ahmad Fadil said Muhyiddin also expressed gratitude that the entire royal family are now free from Covid-19 after observing the 14-day self-quarantine. - Bernama

Keep up with the latest information on the outbreak in the country with Malaysiakini's free Covid-19 tracker.

Malaysiakini is providing free access to the most important updates on the coronavirus pandemic. You can find them here.

Help keep independent media alive - subscribe to Malaysiakini.