ISMAIL Sabri Yaakob is Malaysia’s new prime minister and will be sworn in tomorrow, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said today.

The announcement came in a statement issued by Istana Negara just after the Agong had chaired a two-hour special meeting with Malay Rulers on the matter.
 
Istana Negara comptroller Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said a total of 114 members of Parliament had nominated Bera MP Ismail Sabri, giving him the majority to form a new government.
 
“Following that, and in accordance with Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution, His Majesty has agreed to appoint Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the ninth prime minister of Malaysia.
 
“The next process is the swearing-in ceremony which will take place at 2.30pm on August 21 (Saturday) at Istana Negara,” said Ahmad Fadil.
 
Ahmad Fadil also said that the Agong hoped that with the appointment of the new prime minister, the political crisis can be ended immediately.
 
“And all MPs can set aside political agendas, unite and work together to address the Covid-19 pandemic in the interest of the people and the country.”

According to Ahmad Fadil, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah chaired the rulers special meeting today and had informed the Malay Rulers of his meeting with the party leaders on August 17.
 
He said that the Conference of Rulers also hopes that a new government can be formed as soon as possible.
 
“His Royal Highness is of the view that Malaysians should not be burdened by political issues and that MPs are reminded to show solidarity to serve the people,” said Ahmad Fadil.
 
Ismail Sabri, 61, is the third prime minister to assume office since 2018.
 
His appointment comes in the wake of Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation last Monday after 15 Umno MPs withdrew their support for him as prime minister.
 
The 15 Umno MPs then backed Umno vice-president and Muhyiddin’s handpicked deputy Ismail to take over the PN government. – August 20, 2021.