AFTER much controversy, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today was sworn in as the ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia, in front of Yang di-Pertuan Agong al-Sultan Abdullah Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Shah.
He took oath at the Istana Negara at 2.30pm, in an event which was aired live on national television stations and Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) official Facebook page.
Yesterday, the monarch confirmed that Ismail Sabri had obtained majority support from MPs to become the new head of the Government, after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin relinquished his post on Aug 16 following several Umno leaders’ decision to withdraw support from the Pagoh MP.
Following Muhyiddin’s departure, the Agong exercised his constitutional duty by summoning top leaders of political parties to determine who commands the most support from parliamentarians to form a new Government.
It was said that the race was tight between Ismail Sabri and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with some even speculating that Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah was also being considered for the job.
Now with Ismail Sabri in charge, it remains to be seen on how he would be dealing with the twin crises of COVID-19 and the economic turmoil triggered by it.
In addition, the Bera MP would also need to work extra hard to mend ties between Perikatan Nasional partners, especially ally Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), which may not take the downfall of their party president from the premiership lightly. – Aug 21, 2021
