Malaysia's King appoints Muhyiddin Yassin as new PM

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has agreed with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin as the country's new prime minister, the national palace said Saturday.

In a statement, Comptroller of the Royal Household for the National Palace Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the palace had received the nominations of candidates from major political parties and independent members of the parliament.

Following deliberations with heads of political parties, Sultan Abdullah felt Muhyiddin might command the majority in lower house of parliament, hence agreeing to appoint him as the prime minister in accordance with the constitution, the statement said, adding Muhyiddin is scheduled to be sworn in on Sunday.

The statement quoted the king as saying that it could not be delayed any longer, as the country needs a government to look after the well-being of the people and the country.

"His majesty said that this is the best decision for all and he hoped that the current political stalemate will end." the statement said.

This follows a week of political stalemate in Malaysia after Mahathir Mohamad resigned earlier this week as Malaysia's prime minister.