KUCHING, Aug 20: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be taking his oath of office as the country’s ninth Prime Minister before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara tomorrow at 2.30pm.
Palace Comptroller Datuk Indera Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said this in an official statement today following His Majesty’s appointment of the Bera MP, who had obtained the support of 114 out of 220 MPs to become Malaysia’s new leader.
In the swearing-in ceremony tomorrow, Ismail Sabri will be presented with the Instrument of Appointment.
With this announcement, the King expressed hope that the political crisis currently affecting the country would end immediately with all MPs united in setting aside their respective political agendas while working unanimously to address the Covid-19 pandemic in the interest of the country and its people.
“His Majesty reiterated the views that the people should not be burdened with endless political turmoil at a time when the country is struggling with health issues and economic depression due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Lawmakers are also reminded to show solidarity by giving priority, high commitment and the best service to the people,” said Admad Fadil.
He added that the country’s nine State Malay Rulers also supported Agong’s stand on the need to form a stable federal government as soon as possible following the resignation of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin with thorough analysis, observation of the statutory declarations and confirmation through an audience with all lawmakers.
He also pointed out a special meeting to discuss the subject matter between the Malay Rulers and the King started earlier today at 2.30pm and lasted for two and a half hours.
“His Majesty also called on the people to remain calm and join him in prayers for the country to be protected and in the hopes that the Covid-19 pandemic will end soon,” he stressed.
Since Muhyiddin’s resignation on Aug 16 after losing majority support in Parliament, Malaysia has fallen into political turmoil as not one MP had the majority support.
While Muhyiddin was appointed as the caretaker premier, 220 MPs were requested to submit their statutory declarations (SDs) to Istana Negara to nominate the ninth Prime Minister on Aug 18.
Yesterday (Aug 19), a total of 114 MPs from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Umno, Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Malaysian India Congress (MIC), Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Sabah (Star), Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas) and independent MPs were summoned to have an audience with the King to verify their nomination. — DayakDaily
