PETALING JAYA: The King is expressing the views of the majority of MPs and Malaysians when he reiterated the need for Parliament to reconvene as soon as possible, says Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).

       "I'm confident that the King is expressing the opinion of most MPs and the rakyat, who are facing hardship. The King's view must be given attention in order to ensure accountability and transparency,” he said.

       Urging Malaysians to “read” the King's statement closely, Anwar said that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had clearly expressed his stance that Parliament must reconvene soon.

       "For the intelligent and those who don't spin statements, they would've understood it, because it has been repeated many times.

       "For those who understand Bahasa Malaysia, as soon as possible means immediately, according to present guidelines and procedures," he said in a statement which was posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday (June 29).

       He was believed to be referring to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who said on June 27 that Parliament can only reconvene when the state of emergency expires on Aug 1.

       Anwar argued the need for Parliament to reconvene before Aug 1, as the Emergency Proclamation would be expired by then.

       "This is so that debates on the Emergency Proclamation and Ordinance can take place," he said.

       Anwar also said the King's view had stressed the need for a check-and-balance mechanism towards governance.

       On Tuesday, the King had once again called for Parliament to convene as soon as possible.

       “This would allow the Emergency Proclamation and Emergency ordinances that were issued to be tabled in Parliament as contained in Article 150(3) of the Federal Constitution,” said Istana Negara Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin in a statement posted on the Istana Negara's Facebook page.

       Ahmad Fadil conveyed that the King also opined the Parliament’s committees must carry on their work to serve as check and balance to ensure transparent and accountable governance that is of integrity.

       The statement by Istana Negara comes after Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah held a one-hour audience at 11am with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun and Senate President Tan Sri Rais Yatim at Istana Negara earlier on Tuesday.

       Also present were Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speakers Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon and Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said as well as Senate deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad.

       Ahmad Fadil said the audience with the King was to follow up on development in wake of the Royal Malay Rulers special meeting on June 16 with regard to the Emergency.