KAJANG: The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), which will review the handling of the territorial dispute involving Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge will start once the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong is sworn in.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that while the cabinet has approved the formation of the RCI, its membership will need consent from the king.
"The cabinet has discussed and approved it, but I have received information that it will only be executed with the formal appointment and swearing-in of the new king," he told a press conference after visiting the Malaysian Civil Defence Force headquarters near here today.
Earlier today, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the composition of members in the RCI will be known after obtaining the king's consent.
The cabinet had also agreed that the matter was of utmost importance because it involves the border issue and country's sovereignty, among other things.
The announcement of the RCI's formation was made by the Chief Secretary to Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has been elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term, effective Jan 31, 2024.
Keeper of the Rulers' Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad had previously said in a statement that the ruler's election was held at the Special 263rd Meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara.
Sultan Ibrahim will replace Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah whose reign will end on Jan 30.
