Palace instructs MPs to vote on new PM in writing

 

Istana Negara has instructed members of the Dewan Rakyat to submit their choice of prime minister in writing.

The MPs will have until 4pm tomorrow to do so. Their letters have to be certified as true.

This instruction was sent by Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun to all MPs this morning.

"As instructed by decree from His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, I hereby give notice to you to submit a letter stating clearly one MP whom you support to be the ninth prime minister," wrote Azhar.

The letter has to be submitted through fax, email or WhatsApp and addressed to Nazim Mohd Alim, the private secretary to the Agong.

Hand-delivered or late submissions would not be entertained, said Azhar.

Azhar also reminded MPs to maintain secrecy over the contents of the letter.

Under Article 43(2)(a), the Agong has to appoint a prime minister who "in his judgment is likely" to command the confidence of the majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as prime minister yesterday after failing to hold on to his majority. He is currently serving as caretaker prime minister.

 - Mkini