Malaysian MPS may choose new PM through Whatsapp

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s lawmakers must submit their choice of a new prime minister to the palace by 4 pm local time Wednesday, after the nation’s king began the search for a successor to Muhyiddin Yassin, who resigned Monday.

Lawmakers were reminded to keep the contents of their declaration letters a secret until the king decides which MP commands the support of the majority, according to a notice sent to members of parliament by Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun.

Lawmakers may email, fax or Whatsapp their choice of premier, he added.

The king, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, called for an end to political bickering at a meeting Tuesday with party leaders.

The resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday after less than 18 months in office followed mounting public anger over what was widely perceived as his government’s poor handling of the pandemic. Malaysia has one of the world’s highest infection rates and deaths per capita, with daily cases breaching 20,000 this month despite a seven-month state of emergency and a lockdown since June.

Shah has ruled out a new general election because many parts of the country are Covid-19 red zones and health facilities are inadequate.

Muhyiddin was appointed caretaker prime minister until a successor is found.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who was among eight party leaders summoned for a group meeting at the palace, said the king urged them to end their bickering. The monarch stressed that the new leader should not be vindictive and that all parties must cooperate in tackling the pandemic and reviving the economy, he said.

“The issue here is not about appointing a new prime minister but more importantly, his majesty... stressed the need to forge a new political landscape that is more peaceful for the people,” Anwar told reporters outside the palace.

All party leaders in Muhyiddin’s alliance and the opposition expressed their opinions during the meeting and there appeared to be a consensus to “drop the old style of tired and boring politics and focus on developing the nation,” he said.

The king plays a largely ceremonial role but appoints the person he believes has majority support of Parliament to be prime minister.