UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is the country’s new Prime Minister.
He succeeds Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who resigned from the post on Monday (Aug 16).
Ismail Sabri was Muhyiddin’s deputy, a post he was appointed to on July 7. He was also the Senior Minister (Security Cluster) as well as Defence Minister during the Muhyiddin administration.
His appointment by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah was announced by Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin in a statement today.
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 immediate to safeguard the public.
“His Majesty had expressed his 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 also 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 further reminded that they should show solidarity by making it their priority to serve the public,” said Ahmad Fadil.
The announcement comes after a special meeting among Malay rulers at Istana Negara earlier today (Aug 20).
The UMNO vice-president is expected to be sworn in as Prime Minister on Saturday, Aug 21 at 2.30pm. – Aug 20, 2021.
