KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian lawmakers have been asked to submit a letter stating their choice of candidate to be the country's next prime minister, after Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down this week, deepening a long-running political crisis.
Muhyiddin resigned on Monday without an obvious successor at a time when the Southeast Asian nation is battling a COVID-19 surge and economic slump. He cited a lack of parliamentary support and will remain as caretaker premier until a new government can be formed.
King Al-Sultan Abdullah has ruled out elections because of the pandemic, but said he would invoke his constitutional powers to appoint a prime minister he believes would be likely to command a majority.
In a notice sent to all lawmakers, parliament speaker Azhar Azizan Harun said the declaration letters have to be submitted to the palace by Wednesday at 4 p.m (0800 GMT).
"In undertaking the King's decree, I am giving a notice to you to present one declaration letter that clearly states one lawmaker that has your confidence to become the 9th prime minister," the speaker said in the letter seen by Reuters.
He asked lawmakers to submit their letters via fax, email or the online messaging service WhatsApp, saying there would be no in-person submission at the palace due to COVID-19.
Last year, when then premier Mahathir Mohamad quit unexpectedly, the king met with all 222 lawmakers from the lower house of parliament to seek their choices for the next leader.
After a week of discussions, he picked Muhyiddin who had formed a coalition with political parties that were defeated in the 2018 elections.
But the alliance was fragile and the constant infighting led to Muhyiddin's resignation after just 17 months in office.
No lawmaker currently has a clear majority in parliament. The opposition bloc and Malaysia's biggest party are split on support for their prime ministerial candidates.
The king is expected to meet with leaders of political parties at 2 p.m. local time (0600 GMT), media reported.
Reuters
Tue Aug 17 2021
Azhar asked lawmakers to submit their letters via fax, email or the online messaging service WhatsApp, saying there would be no in-person submission at the palace due to COVID-19. - REUTERS
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.