KUALA LUMPUR — Ismail Sabri Yaakob Saturday took his oath of office as Malaysia's 9th Prime Minister before Malaysia's Sultan Abdullah Shah. The ceremony was held at the Balai Singgahsana Kecil (Minor Throne Room), Istana Negara.

The ceremony, which involved the conferment of the instrument of appointment and taking the Oath of Office and Allegiance, as well as the Oath of Secrecy as the Prime Minister, was held about 2.20 p.m.

Sultan Abdullah consented to Ismail’s appointment as Prime Minister in accordance with Article 40(2)(a) and Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

Ismail, 61, attired in a black baju Melayu and gold-embroidered samping, was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Muhaini Zainal Abidin, who was dressed in a light purple traditional baju kurung.

After taking his oath, Ismail signed the instruments of appointment, which was then attested by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also graced the swearing-in ceremony. Both the King and Queen were dressed in pastel-colored traditional attire.

Also present were former prime ministers Muhyiddin Yassin and Najib Razak. Among the political leaders present were UMNO president Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MCA president Dr. Wee Ka Siong, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg as well as both Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat Speakers.

Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah recited the doa (prayer).

This comes after Comptroller of the Royal Household for Istana Negara Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said that the King had decreed the appointment of Ismail Sabri as the ninth Prime Minister, following a special meeting involving Malay Rulers on Friday (Aug 20) afternoon.

"In line with Article 40(2)(a) and Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution, His Majesty has decreed to appoint Ismail Sabri as the ninth Prime Minister," said Ahmad Fadil in a statement on Friday.

Ahmad Fadil said the King chaired a special meeting with Malay Rulers that began at 2.30 p.m. at Istana Negara and lasted for two-and-a-half hours on Friday (Aug 20).

During the meeting, the King consented to the process of the appointment of a new prime minister, following Yassin's resignation on Monday (Aug 16).

Ahmad Fadil said the King has called on that the new government headed by Ismail Sabri must continue efforts to combat COVID-19, as the people and the nation are badly affected by the ongoing pandemic.

"The King is expressing hope that with the appointment of the new prime minister, the political impasse can be immediately ended and all MPs can set aside their political agendas by uniting and cooperating to address the COVID-19 pandemic for the people and the country."

On Monday (Aug 16), Yassin announced his decision to resign as prime minister, saying it was in accordance with the Federal Constitution as he no longer commanded majority support of the parliament.

Prior to this, Ismail Sabri was appointed as deputy prime minister by former prime minister Yassin on July 7. He was also one of four senior ministers in the previous Perikatan Cabinet, holding the Defense Ministry portfolio. The other three senior ministers were Azmin Ali, Fadillah Yusof and Dr. Mohd Radzi Jidin. — Agencies