KUALA LUMPUR – Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been appointed Malaysia’s ninth prime minister – and the country’s third in as many years.
Istana Negara in a statement today said the appointment of the Bera MP was made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the federal constitution.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 2.30pm tomorrow at the palace.
The appointment follows the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from the top post on Monday, making for Malaysia’s shortest prime minister stint at 17 months.
Ismail Sabri’s appointment comes after a special meeting between the Agong and Malay rulers this afternoon.
The incoming prime minister will now look to focus his efforts on combating Covid-19, which has surged amid the political instability during the previous Perikatan Nasional administration.
Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said with the appointment, the government must continue efforts to tackle the health crisis.
He expressed hope that it will immediately put an end to the country’s political troubles.
“His Majesty also hopes that all MPs will set aside their political agendas and be united in combating the pandemic, in the interests of the rakyat and nation.
“The king reiterated his view that the rakyat must not be burdened by the prolonged political crisis. Lawmakers are reminded to demonstrate solidarity by prioritising and providing their services and commitments to the people.”
Born on January 18, 1960, Ismail Sabri is Malaysia’s first prime minister to be born after Malaya’s independence on August 31, 1957.
After the father-son pair of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Ismail Sabri is the third leader from Pahang to head the federal government.
Fadil confirmed that Ismail Sabri enjoys majority support in the Dewan Rakyat with 114 MPs in his corner, enough to form the government.
The Agong this week ordered all lawmakers to submit statutory declarations on their choice of prime minister by 4pm on Wednesday.
Yesterday, the king granted audiences to 114 MPs to confirm their backing for Ismail Sabri.
It is understood Gua Musang MP Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is the sole Umno lawmaker not behind Ismail Sabri as prime minister.
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is believed to have the support of 105 opposition MPs.
With the new prime minister confirmed, the focus now shifts to whom he will choose as his deputy, as well as his cabinet picks.
Speculation is rife that the country’s No. 2 post will go to Bersatu, with Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof purportedly among those in the running.
Ismail Sabri is expected to see his legitimacy as prime minister put to the test in Parliament soon, as decreed by the Agong previously. – The Vibes, August 20, 2021
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