What will PM brief the King today?

TODAY marks the second meeting of the new Cabinet under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. In the past week, there were news coverage of the old ministers handing over duties to their new colleagues. As for the new ones, some had begun giving interviews to the local media, sharing their views, hopes and plans.

Taxpayers wait anxiously what good tidings the new Cabinet will bring. At the state level, especially in states controlled by the Barisan Rakyat, some serious discussions had already started as to how the new coalition will share power to adminster the states. This is a new experience for them, considering the differences in ideologies, principles and ways of doing things.

Taxpayers and voters, be it at the national or state level, have only one thing in their mind - return the faith they had shown by voting both the Barisan National and Barisan Rakyat into power. We want changes that will impact positively on our qualty of life. Period.

But there are still squabbles that have not shown signs of being resolved. The appointment of the Terengganu Menteri Besar is still very much a disputed matter, with both the Executive and the Monarchy insisting that they will not budge from their stand.

Pak Lah yesterday said that he would be seeking an audience with the King over the matter, while his MB nominee Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said he was prepared to meet the King and apologise for whatever wrongdoing, if any.

Both statements, I reckon, are sensible enough. My simple question is - why weren't these done earlier? Prime Ministers, Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers knew that the handling of Rulers is a matter of considerable skill and importance.

Over the years, we have seen how the most seemingly difficult Ruler developed a good working relationship with the Executive, resulting in much harmony and unity of purpose in their respective roles and responsibilities.

Today being Cabinet day, the Prime Minister would usually have an audience with the King, a routine that would see the PM briefing His Majesty the latest in Government matters and issues. Would the Terengganu issue be discussed at today's audience? What would the outcome be?

In the BR-controlled states, their leaders should wipe that smirk across their faces, and the sniggering that goes with their laughter as they have a good laugh over their counterparts in Perlis and Terengganu. They may have less difficulties in appointing their CM or MB. But the test of their political pact will surely come in the coming months and years.

The nation's political sandiwara continues. But the rakyat can't be fed with scene after scene of political oneupmanship. The goings on may make interesting talk over teh tarik and roti canai. But life, as we all know, is more than just Pelita's thosai or Raju's banana leave or nasi lemak Tanglin.