KUALA LUMPUR, ‪Oct 13 (Bernama) — Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara over his claim of majority MP support to form a new government.

The PKR president arrived at the palace at 10.25 am via Gate 2 and left at 11.30 am. He did not speak to the crowd of reporters waiting outside the palace but smiled and waved to them through an open rear window as his black car passed by.

Anwar, who is the MP for Port Dickson, has scheduled a press conference for 2 pm today at the Le Meridien Hotel.

PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil circulated an invitation to the media via WhatsApp, saying Anwar is holding a special press conference to make an important announcement following his audience with the King, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Anwar had said recently that His Majesty had consented to his request for the audience.

On Sept 23, Anwar told a press conference that he had “formidable and convincing” support of MPs to form a new government.

Local and international media descended on Istana Negara as early as 8 am for the arrival of Anwar whose audience with the King was scheduled for 11 am.

Members of the media waited outside Gate 2 of Istana Negara and on the pavements along Jalan Dungun to await the arrival of Anwar.

The newsmen, all with face mask on, were advised by the policemen on duty to strictly observe  COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOP), including maintaining physical distancing.

Their presence caught the attention of His Majesty’s senior private secretary, Colonel (Rtd) Datuk Nazim Mohd Alim, who brought them some breakfast.