Ismail Sabri appointed 9th prime minister

Bera MP Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been appointed as the ninth prime minister.

In a statement today, Istana Negara said Ismail Sabri will be sworn in at 2.30pm tomorrow.

Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said Ismail has the support of 114 MPs, expressed in writing and when they were granted an audience by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Aug 19.

The appointment today was made after the Agong conferred with his brother rulers at a special Conference of Rulers.

Ahmad Fadil said the Agong was of the view that with the appointment of a new prime minister, the government will continue the efforts against Covid-19 immediately to safeguard the public.

"His Majesty hopes that the appointment of the new prime minister will immediately end the political crisis and all MPs will put aside their political agendas in order to unite in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic in the interest of the people and the country.

"His Majesty reiterated that the public should not be burdened by a protracted political crisis at a time when the country is facing a health crisis and an economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"MPs are reminded that they should show solidarity by prioritising and show commitment towards serving the public," Ahmad Fadil added.

The latest statement reiterates in part the Agong's position made through an Aug 18 statement.

However, two of Agong's crucial opinions were left out - that the new prime minister must immediately test his majority in the Dewan Rakyat and that the new prime minister must reach out to the loser.

Ismail's closest rival is believed to be Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar's supporters claim that he has the support of 105 MPs.

Ismail succeeds Muhyiddin Yassin, who was forced to step down on Aug 16 after 15 Umno MPs withdrew their support.

The 15 Umno MPs then backed Ismail, the party vice-president.- Mkini