Agong names Anwar as 10th PM with reminder against politicking

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has named Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister, ending days of uncertainty following the results of the Nov 19 election which gave rise to a hung parliament. 

This followed a meeting of the Malay rulers this morning, to allow Sultan Abdullah to choose an MP who, in his opinion, might hold the support of the majority in the Dewan Rakyat as prime minister in accordance with Article 40(2)(1) and Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution. 

Istana Negara said the next process would be the ceremony of appointment and the swearing in of the prime minister at the palace at 5pm.

"His Majesty reminds all parties that those who won did not win everything and those who lost did not lose everything," it said. 

"The fact is, the people should not be burdened with endless political turmoil when the country is in need of a stable government to restore the economic landscape and national development. 

"The MPs who have been chosen by the people are also reminded to show solidarity by giving priority and the highest commitment as well as their best service to the people." 

Anwar and Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin had been neck-to-neck in the race for support following the 15th general election which saw no single coalition winning enough seats to form the government on its own. 

Days of negotiations and talks followed among the leaders of PH, PN and Barisan Nasional (BN), with the focus on BN and its 30 MPs amid conflicting statements by individual lawmakers and the coalition itself. 

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who had faced pressure to step down following the pact's worst ever election performance, had also come under fire for a letter sent to the palace expressing the support of all 30 MPs for Anwar. 

While MPs then accused him of making "arbitrary decisions" and deceiving the palace, the Umno Supreme Council said the following day that it would back the proposal for a unity government although not with PN at the head.