KUCHING, Aug 16: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has appointed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the caretaker Prime Minister, following the latter’s resignation from the post earlier today.
According to a statement from Istana Negara today, during the royal audience with Muhyiddin which lasted for 30 minutes starting at 12.30pm, His Majesty was pleased to receive the letter of resignation from Muhyiddin as the Prime Minister, together with his cabinet members with immediate effect, today.
“Following his resignation, His Majesty has requested that Muhyiddin serve as the caretaker Prime Minister until a new Prime Minister is appointed.
“This is pursuant to Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution which stated that the Agong shall appoint as the prime minister, to preside over the cabinet members of the House of Representatives, who is in his judgment, is likely to command the confidence of the members of that House,” said Istana Negara in the statement.
His Majesty also conveyed his gratitude to Muhyiddin and his cabinet ministers for their services and management of the country that has been implemented under Perikatan Nasional (PN) since March 1, 2020, especially in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As the head of the country, His Majesty understands and respects the country’s legal system and process, and also respects any decision made by Muhyiddin based on the Federal Constitution and the rule of law,” the statement read.
Earlier on, Istana Negara announced that His Majesty also gave a royal audience to the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun and Election Commission chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh at 11am at the National Palace.
It said His Majesty was informed by the Election Commission chairman that as of Aug 10, 2021, out of a total of 613 state constituencies, 484 constituencies (79 per cent) are Covid-19 red zones, and took note of the condition of the nation’s health facilities which are in a worrying situation.
“As such, in His Majesty’s opinion, the implementation of the 15th general election is not the best option due to the welfare and security of the people,” it added.
At the same time, His Majesty also hoped that the endless political crisis that has disrupted the smooth governance of this country can be ended for the well-being of the people and the country’s economy threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
His Majesty also calls on all to calm down and pray together so that the country would always be under God’s protection, kept away from any disaster, and the Covid-19 epidemic could be curbed and ended immediately. — DayakDaily
