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Malaysia's king appoints Muhyiddin as prime minister

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Muhyiddin Yassin will become Malaysia’s next prime minister, the country’s king announced on Saturday (Feb 29), saying he may have the majority support among lawmakers in parliament.

The appointment follows this week’s shock resignation of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, 94, as premier in a move that plunged the country into crisis.

Dr Mahathir had said earlier on Saturday he had won the backing of old rival Anwar Ibrahim for his return as the candidate for the alliance that collapsed with his resignation on Monday.

Muhyiddin will be sworn in on Sunday, the palace said in a statement.

Muhyiddin, 72, was the home minister in the Mahathir government. Before that, he was the country’s deputy prime minister in the administration of Najib Razak, who was defeated by Mahathir in the 2018 national election.

Muhyiddin, president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, had joined hands with Umno and PAS to garner support for premiership. However, his decision to partner with Umno drew criticism from Dr Mahathir.

Malaysia's king made the decision after receiving representations from all party leaders and independent members of parliament, the palace said in a statement.

“The king is of the opinion that the member of parliament who possibly has the support of the majority of members of parliament is Muhyiddin Yassin,” the palace said.

“His majesty has decreed that the process of appointing a prime minister cannot be delayed.. (and) this is the best decision for all,” the statement said. – REUTERS

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