Agong appoints Muhyiddin as caretaker PM, rules out election

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has decreed that Muhyiddin Yassin will remain as caretaker prime minister until a new leader is appointed, Istana Negara said today, hours after Muhyiddin submitted his resignation from the country’s top post.

In a statement, the palace said this was in line with Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution which states that the king must choose an MP who, in his judgment, commands the majority support in the Dewan Rakyat as the new prime minister.

The king also thanked Muhyiddin and his Cabinet for their service and administration of the country since March 1 last year, especially in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As the head of state, His Majesty understands and respects the country’s system and legislative process as well as any decision made by Muhyiddin based on the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law,” the palace said.

Muhyiddin submitted his resignation following a brief audience with Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahamd Shah earlier today.

This came days after opposition parties dismissed his offer of a cross-party consensus in exchange for their support in an upcoming confidence vote.

He had also said that a general election would be held no later than July next year, subject to the pandemic situation.