Several Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS MPs were seen gathering near the Umno headquarters at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) before a scheduled interview by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this afternoon.
Among Umno leaders seen were secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa, vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Yaakob, Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, and Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar
Also spotted were MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan, MCA president Datuk Wee Ka Siong, as well as PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and PAS MP Nik Muhammad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.
Earlier this morning, Umno members had gathered at PWTC for a meeting and as time went on more members arrived.
Yet to be seen were former president Datuk Seri Najib Razak whose court case was adjourned today due to this meeting, and current Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who had earlier met with interim prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah will interview all MPs one by one to ascertain who commands the majority of the Dewan Rakyat to become the next prime minister.
The process will start at 2.30pm today with 90 MPs, while the rest of them will be called tomorrow.
Gombak lawmaker Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and his team of 11 MPs are also expected to meet with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today.
Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin said that they are waiting for the phone call from Istana Negara.
Seen coming and leaving the palace earlier was Bersatu’s Sri Gading MP Shahruddin Md Salleh.
He arrived at 11.05am and left 40 minutes later.
Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah entered the gates of the palace at 11.40 am.
Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik, also from Bersatu, then arrived at 11.48am with drinks that he distributed to the press before entering the palace gate.
Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas were also at Istana Negara today for an audience with the Agong.
It was learnt that their meeting is on judicial appointments and not the current political crisis.
Earlier, Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa claimed that his party has formed a coalition with several others.
Meanwhile, Malay tabloid Harian Metro reported PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan claiming his “side” has secured the support of up to 129 MPs.
Speculation is mounting that the heads of five major parties — Umno, PAS, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Warisan and the Sarawak’s GPS — have agreed to form a coalition.
It is understood that leaders of Pakatan Harapan parties, left with only three members following Bersatu’s shock departure, are also working behind closed doors to work a deal with parties from Sabah and Sarawak.