KUALA LUMPUR: There wasn’t any discussion about the future Cabinet line-up when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong granted audiences to the 114 MPs supporting Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as prime minister on Thursday (Aug 18), says Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

       “Nothing about the Cabinet. It was specific to the verification of statutory declarations (SDs) supporting Ismail Sabri,” he told reporters when he gave an impromptu press conference outside Istana Negara on Thursday.

       Ahmad Maslan said during the audience with the King, each MP was told to state their name and respective constituency, and then declare whether or not they support Ismail Sabri without any compulsion.

       Ahmad, who looked in high spirits, said the audience with the King in Thursday was a sweet memory for him.

       “This is an important experience for myself and the 114 MPs supporting Ismail Sabri.”

       Ahmad also claimed that PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang was present during the brief audience with the King.

       At the same time, Ahmad said the 114 MPs were divided into five groups beginning 11am this morning.

       “I would also like to thank journalists who waited outside here for this historical day,” he said.

       Earlier on Thursday, members of the press had staked out near Gate 2 of Istana Negara after it was reported on Wednesday (Aug 16) night that the King had granted audiences to MPs supporting Ismail Sabri as prime minister.

       Despite the light drizzle, reporters had begun staking out since 8am and many of them had taken shelter under a mini tent prepared by Istana Negara officials.

       Palace officials also prepared food and drinks for members of the media.

       There were cones placed neatly by police at the side of the road to prevent politicians from giving impromptu press conferences to the media in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

       The Conference of Malay Rulers will meet on Friday (Aug 19) 2.30pm.