PAKATAN Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim is due to be sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister at 5pm today, Istana Negara confirmed.

After days of political deadlock, it is understood that leaders have come to an agreement in which Anwar – after nearly 25 years in opposition – will take the top job.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah will perform the swearing in ceremony at Istana Negara later today.

According to the Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong reminded all parties to close ranks and remain calm.

Fadil added the palace also urged MPs have been elected to show solidarity by prioritising and committing to ensuring the people’s wellbeing.

“The king wishes to remind the new government and cabinet members to always stay humble. Ordinary people should not be burdened with endless political turmoil as the country needs a stable government.

“Lawmakers who have been elected must show solidarity and offer the best service to the people,” said Fadil.

In the general election, PH won 76 seats, while its coalition member Sarawak DAP garnered five seats and Muda one, for a total of 82.  

Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PAS won 51 and 22 seats respectively, for a combined total of 72. 

Barisan Nasional could only muster 30 seats, with many of the coalition’s leaders becoming casualties. 

Gabungan Parti Sarawak claimed 23 seats, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (6), Warisan (3), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (1) and Independents (2).

Malay rulers met this morning in a special conference in Istana Negara to discuss a solution to the political impasse in forming a federal government after the general election.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had called for the meeting to seek the views of the other royals about the political deadlock. 

PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin had on Tuesday declined the king’s request for his coalition to form a unity government with PH.

PN, however, made a U-turn on the rejection, saying it now wanted to be part of a unity government. – November 24, 2022.