Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president Salahuddin Ayub finds it strange that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak issued a media statement on behalf of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“I wish to ask, when did Najib become the Agong’s spokesperson?

“Usually, statements from His Majesty are issued by his private secretary or the palace,” he said in a statement.

Salahuddin also raised the issue of conflict of interest since Najib was speaking on behalf of the Agong on a matter which involved him.

“To me, this is something which breaches the norm and an attempt to fool the people,” he said.

In the media statement issued yesterday, Najib said he was aware of what transpired during Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) adviser Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s audience with the Agong last week.

“In the meeting, His Majesty took notice of the matter that was brought up by Mahathir. However, the Agong explained to Mahathir he cannot be involved in what Bersatu is doing.

“This is as the declaration made by Bersatu was not in accordance with the constitution. Any action should be in line with accepted practices via the parliament and electoral system for the rakyat to make their decision,” he had added.

During the audience, Mahathir had submitted the ‘Save Malaysia’ declaration containing 1.3 million signatures.