Ismail Sabri Yaakoob Becomes Malaysia PM

Former Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yakoob has been appointed as the new Prime Minister by Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah on August 21, 2021.

Ismail was sworn in as the third Prime Minister of Malaysia in three years on August 21, 2021. The Palace said it had the support of 114 of the 222 members of parliament, which is more than the 111 votes required for a simple majority.

Ismail will take over as prime minister at a time when the number of daily new cases of COVID-19 infection is doubling in Malaysia, despite a lockdown and a seven-month state of emergency from June 2021. Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s government has been widely criticized for its handling of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic situation in Malaysia.

Ismail will replace Muhyiddin Yasin, who resigned after losing a majority in the lower house of parliament due to a fight in his coalition. His appointment as Prime Minister means the United Malaysia National Organization (UMNO) is Malaysia’s longest-serving political party, which, after being defeated in the 2018 elections, has now re-established its rule. Is.

UMNO has been the governing political party in Malaysia since it gained its independence from Britain in the year 1957.