If you’ve been asleep for the last few days after having a few Hainanese chicken burgers, you’re probably unaware that Malaysia’s prime minister resigned recently.
Reader: Mahathir? Wasn’t that last year?
No, I’m talking about Muhyiddin Yassin. How long were you asleep?
In any case, with Mr Muhyiddin vacating his post, observers have been speculating as to who will replace him.
Umno Vice-President Ismail Sabri Yaakob Reportedly on Course to be Next M’sia PM
Recent reports suggest that Malaysia’s ninth prime minister will be from the very party that withdrew its support for Mr Muhyiddin – UMNO.
With the support of 38 of his party members, UMNO vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob is reportedly set to become Malaysia’s next leader.
With this, Mr Ismail will have the support of 115 MPs, enough to grant him a majority vote.
Since there are 222 seats in Malaysia’s Parliament, the next prime minister will require the support of at least 111 MPs to secure a simple majority.
The opposition, however, has a different man in mind – their leader Anwar Ibrahim.
Mr Anwar only has the backing of 105 members, however, including 88 from his own coalition.
Meanwhile, Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie Apdal, the former chief minister of Sabah, has reportedly been offered the deputy prime minister post.
But observers believe that this is only so Mr Anwar can get an additional eight votes from the Parti Warisan Sabah.
After all, if their president lends support, other members will likely follow suit.
How Malaysia’s Government is Formed
If the words “coalition”, “support” and “ninth” are confusing you, here’s a simple explanation of how Malaysia’s government is formed.
In Singapore, one political party forms our government.
But things are a little different across the border; in Malaysia, the ruling government is made up of a coalition, or a group of parties, who has the majority in Parliament.
And just like Singapore, the Prime Minister isn’t chosen by the people, but by the party in power.
So, when a coalition loses its majority vote – like if a party withdraws its support and makes an alliance with another group of parties – the prime minister can no longer stay in power as he no longer has the support of the majority.
This was what happened last year, which resulted in the resignation of Mr Mahathir, and what happened this year as well, when several UMNO MPs withdrew their support for Mr Muhyiddin, forcing him to resign.
Still confused? Watch this video to the end:
How Will Malaysia Choose its Next PM?
Typically, after something like this happens, a snap election would be held.
However, COVID-19 was like umno, so the ruling coalition will have to vote on their choice for a leader instead.
The King can also decide who the next PM will be based on who has the majority support.
There’s a lot of uncertainty at the moment, but one thing’s for sure: this political drama is far from over.
Read Also:
- 10 Facts About the Latest Malaysia Political Turmoil Whereby PM Muhyiddin Yassin Resigned Simplified for You
- First Fully Vaccinated COVID-19 Death Reported in S’pore: It is a 90YO Man
Featured Image: msyaraafiq / Shutterstock.com
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
