Malaysia's New PM Takes Office amid Mounting Health Crisis

Malaysia swore in a new prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Saturday as the nation battles its worst COVID-19 surge.

Currently, there is public anger in the country over the mismanagement of the pandemic.

Ismail, 61, took the oath of office as Malaysia’s ninth Prime Minister in front of the monarch and other coalition leaders, including former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Al-Sultan Abdullah, the King, previously said the new prime minister would have to face a confidence vote in parliament to prove his majority.

Notably, Ismail served as deputy prime minister in Muhyiddin Yassin’s government, that resigned Monday after less than 18 months in office due to infighting within his coalition.

Muhyiddin’s partnership is effectively restored with Ismail’s appointment. In addition, it restores the United Malays National Organisation’s control, which had led Malaysia since its independence from Britain in 1957 but was deposed in the 2018 elections following a multi-billion-dollar financial scandal.

He has received a narrow majority with the support of 114 members of parliament, according to the King.