Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as new Malaysian Premier

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Home Affairs Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was officially sworn in as Malaysia's eighth Prime Minister on Sunday even as former leader Mahathir Mohamad claimed he had the majority support to govern.

The oath-taking ceremony took place just after 10.30 a.m. in the presence of King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at the National Palace, where the new leader wore a traditional black outfit and was accompanied by his wife, Noorainee Abdul Rahman, reports Efe news.

Following a week of political upheaval after the February 24 resignation of Mahathir, the National Palace issued a statement on Saturday saying the king had agreed to appoint the 72-year-old Muhyiddin, also a former Deputy Prime Minister (2009-2015). The King believed that after receiving a list of nominees from party leaders and independent MPs, Muhyiddin looked to have the majority support needed in parliament.

“(The King) said the appointment of the prime minister cannot be delayed for the sake and wellbeing of the nation… He believes this is the best decision for everyone and hopes this puts an end to the political crisis at the moment,” Royal Household Comptroller Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said in the statement. In the wake of the announcement, Mahathir released a list of 115 MPs late Saturday night to show he commanded the support of Parliament’s majority, which he intended to take to the King. (IANS)

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