KUALA LUMPUR AUG.20: His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today has consented to the appointment of UMNO Vice-President, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the new Prime Minister replacing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who resigned last Monday.
Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja Istana Negara, Dato’ Indera Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said, the appointment is in line with Article 43 (2) Federal Constitution where His Majesty has consented to appoint Ismail Sabri the Member of Parliament (MP) of Bera to be the ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia.
“The next process is the appointment letter award and taking the oath and signing the oath for the post of Prime Minister on 21st Aug. (Saturday) 2.30pm at the Istana Negara,” Ahmad Fadil said in a statement here today.
Ahmad Fadil added, His Majesty has expressed his opinion that with the appointment of the prime minister, the government has to continue with the efforts to immediately combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is for the benefits and safety of the people, and the country that has been impacted from the crisis and threats of the pandemic.
“His Majesty hopes with the appointment of the new prime minister, the political crisis will end immediately with all Members of Dewan Rakyat putting aside their political agenda while joining in to work hard to handle the COVID-19 pandemic for the people and the country.
“His Majesty repeated his opinion that the people should not be burdened by the endless political crisis at the time when the country is facing with health issues and economic problem due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Members of Dewan Rakyat are also reminded to demonstrate solidarity by giving priority, high commitment and the best services to the people,” Ahmad Fadil said.
According to Ahmad Fadil, His Majesty urges the people to be calm and be with him to pray for the country to be under the protection of Allah and prevent from any disaster and COVID-19 pandemic could be contained and end immediately.
The appointment of Ismail, 61, was made after His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong chaired the Malay Rulers Special Discussion at 2.30pm at Istana Negara here today.
According to Ahmad Fadil the nomination of the prime minister has been made through statutory declaration from all Members of Parliament to help His Majesty to make a decision to appoint a Member of Parliament whom in His Majesty’s opinion will have the confidence of majority Members of Dewan Rakyat.
He added, the Istana Negara has received nominations for a prime minister post from 220 Members of Dewan Rakyat, each through the statutory declaration (SD) on 18th Aug.2021.
“From the SD received, 114 Members of Dewan Rakyat had nominated Ismail Sabri Yaakob (MP of Bera) with a majority number sufficient to form a government.
“Following that, His Majesty has consented to receive an audience from 114 Members of Dewan Rakyat yesterday (19th Aug.) to confirm their confidence on the Member of Dewan Rakyat who has been nominated to be appointed as the prime minister,” Ahmad Fadil said.