Malaysia's King Convenes Conference Of Rulers As Political Deadlock Continues

Malaysia's Yang di-Pertuan Agong will convene the Conference of Rulers at 10:30am on Thursday after his efforts to facilitate the ongoing coalition talks failed to yield progress.

• The head of state held an audience with leaders of two largest political alliances Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional on Tuesday, before inviting all lawmakers from outgoing Prime Minister Ismail Sabri's Barisan Nasional for consultations Wednesday.
• Barisan Nasional leader Zahid told Malaysiakini that the King has decreed that the group's 30 MPs should join a unity government with Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan. The Straits Times reported that they have seen a letter from Zahid to the King, pledging support of BN lawmakers to Anwar, but the newspaper is still trying to confirm its veracity.
• Meanwhile, Free Malaysia Today reported that Ismail Sabri, who doubles as UMNO's Vice President, has been spotted entering a hotel where Perikatan Nasional's leaders are expected to meet. Reporters gathered outside were told to remain outside as there is an ongoing "unofficial meeting."
• Barisan Nasional's position remains unclear, with the UMNO-led alliance's senior executives set to hold emergency talks Wednesday night. The group remains in disarray after suffering a devastating defeat in the election, with the ongoing blame game hindering coordination on coalition talks.
• The King will now seek the advice of state sultans and governors on how to break the political deadlock during a Conference of Rulers meeting tomorrow.