KUALA LUMPUR: It is still too early to assess the performance of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The King, who saw different leadership styles under four different prime ministers in his tenure as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, said it was challenging to produce a report card for Anwar at this juncture.
"It's not easy to gauge or provide a simple measurement of his performance over one year.
"What the prime minister is currently trying to do is to reduce, and if possible, to eliminate all legacy issues," said Al-Sultan Abdullah in a special interview with the media in conjunction with the conclusion of his reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Tuesday (Jan 30).
"So, within one year, it's impossible to address everything so easily; we must consider other matters, such as rules and regulations, contracts, etc.
"However, what is important is that the government needs a long-term master plan, for instance, for five years, 10 years, and so on," said Tuanku.
His Majesty said the Federal Government had already devised various plans, including some policies that may not be popular with the people.
"However, sometimes the government has to make some unpopular decisions for the betterment of the country in the future.
"I hope this government continues to explain to the people out there, in terms of the long term, and so on," added Tuanku.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also noted that the government planned to introduce targeted subsidies as part of the reform agenda, which some may consider a drastic policy.
"I understand the feelings on the ground; the main intention is not to take away the rights of the B40 income group but, more so, those high-income earners.
"All of this is part of an attempt to introduce reforms. We need to give some time to see its pros and cons," added Tuanku.
Under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's second stint as prime minister, Tuanku was informed that the government was facing financial constraints.
"At that time, Dr Mahathir said that the government could not spend too much, and mega projects had to be cancelled.
"I understood the rationale, and as I was new to the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, I accepted the situation," His Majesty explained.
However, when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin took over as prime minister, Tuanku was given a different story.
"There was money to spend on this and that. I do not know who is telling the truth or otherwise. Only Allah knows.
"But what was announced in Parliament, we know there was a gradual increase from year to year.
"The Covid-19 and emergency spending, which I was not really satisfied with, (was) when I was forced (by the situation) to sign the Declaration of Emergency at that time.
"Due to the pandemic, I was forced to make a decision," recalled His Majesty.
After that, the Budget was about the same during Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's term as prime minister.
"There was some growth in GDP, although not that high, and when compared with our neighbouring countries, we are on par," added Tuanku.
"So, what the current Prime Minister is trying to do is to control and tighten any extra spending and stop leakages.
"Nevertheless, the Budget remains high under these circumstances.
"Fundamentally, up to now, the government has borrowed about 60% of the GDP, which is still legally permissible. I hope it can be reduced gradually, by three to five per cent annually if possible. But you have to have smart financial management," added Al-Sultan Abdullah.
When asked if the unity government idea was what he had intended, Tuanku said it came during the time of Ismail Sabri.
"I had called all the leaders at that time, and the Sultan of Perak (the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong) was also present when the idea was mooted," noted Tuanku. The King said the main intention behind the unity government was to form a stable government after the general election, although the leadership of Perikatan Nasional rejected it.
"So, there was still no single majority after the general election. What I did was offer to all the parties, starting with Tan Sri Muhyiddin and Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
"Actually, I didn't want to raise the matter again because they rejected it outright, and what choice did I have? Who else can form the government?" asked Tuanku.
"I also informed Anwar at that time to make an offer to Muhyiddin's party and PAS, but what else can I do?
"Besides that, it's up to the political leaders' wisdom. My intention was to form a strong, stable government with all parties so that we could continue to build a stable, prosperous, and successful nation," said His Majesty.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also said that the people, through their elected representatives, chose the Prime Minister.
"As for who picked the Prime Minister candidate, it's up to the top political leadership.
"They may suggest a PM candidate; the King does not propose the Prime Minister's candidate.
"So, please get that fact right. The King does not propose the PM; it is the people who propose.
"The King cannot appoint the Prime Minister arbitrarily; if that were the case, there would be no need for Parliament. Isn't that right? (drawing laughter from the floor).
"We have clearly outlined the powers of the King as they are and the powers of the legislative branch as they are; that's what I fulfilled," explained Tuanku.
When asked why His Majesty upheld the spirit of syura (consultation) among the Malay Rulers during the time in Istana Negara, Al-Sultan Abdullah said he was fully aware that his appointment as the King was with the consent of the Conference of Rulers.
"So, whatever I do, at the same time, I act on behalf and as the representative of the Conference of Rulers.
"Yes, it's true that the Agong ultimately makes all decisions, but when it comes to any issue, I consult and discuss, hear opinions, and consider suggestions.
"However, the decision of the day comes from the King himself. That was all I did," said Al-Sultan Abdullah.
