KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s King named little-known former interior minister Muhyiddin Yassin as the new Prime Minister today (Saturday) in a surprise twist that sidelined old rivals including Mahathir and Anwar Ibrahim after a week of political turmoil.
The shocking decision came five days after the resignation of Mahathir Mohamad who broke the alliance with Anwar Ibrahim. Although Mahathir and Anwar announced today (Saturday) that they had joined hands again,
The Palace said in a statement, “The process to appoint the prime minister cannot be delayed because the country needs a government for the well-being of the people and the nation.”
The Royals official said, “Muhyiddin Yassin will be sworn in as the country’s new prime minister on Sunday.”
As well as ending the premiership of Mahathir, it also means there will be little hope of his designated successor Anwar Ibrahim becoming prime minister.
“I only ask for all Malaysians to accept the decision announced by the national palace,” Muhyiddin told reporters at his home.
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