Malaysia’s new PM Ismail Sabri to be sworn in on Aug 21

Malaysia's former deputy prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob waves to the media as he makes his way to the National Palace from the headquarters of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug 19, 2021. (FL WONG / AP)

Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah has appointed former deputy prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the country's new leader, according to a statement released by the palace Friday.

Ismail Sabri Yaakob was named the new prime minister after the king conferred Friday afternoon with other state rulers at Istana Negara (National Palace) in Kuala Lumpur

Ismail Sabri is expected to be sworn in to office Saturday afternoon as Malaysia’s ninth prime minister. He replaces Muhyiddin Yassin, who resigned as prime minister on Monday after losing the support of the majority of the parliament. Muhyiddin assumed the role early last year.

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Ismail Sabri was named the new prime minister after the king conferred Friday afternoon with other state rulers at Istana Negara (National Palace) in Kuala Lumpur. 

Ismail Sabri, 61, is a veteran politician and vice-president the United Malays National Organization – one of the Southeast Asian country’s  biggest political parties.

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Earlier he managed to win approval from the Malaysian parliament. 

prime@chinadailyapac.com