Following the leadership vacuum, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong summoned all MPs to the Istana Negara (National Palace) on 26 and 27 February to gauge their support for a new prime minister. PH initially wanted Mahathir to return, but later named Anwar Ibrahim to the post[5] based on Mahathir's promise to pass the baton to Anwar before retracting the nomination for another time.[6] The proposed return of Mahathir received cross community support from BERSATU, Barisan Nasional (BN), Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Sabah Heritage Party (WARISAN), Sarawak Parties Alliance (GPS) and other political parties represented in the Parliament. However, BN, PAS and GPS opposed the return of Democratic Action Party (DAP) to the governing coalition, the same way Mahathir opposed the return of "kleptocrats and traitors" to the same.
On 28 February, the National Palace stated that none of Prime Minister's candidates, namely Mahathir, Anwar, Muhyiddin or the self-nominated Bung Moktar Radin, obtained a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat to form a government. Therefore, His Majesty gave another chance to leaders of all political parties represented in the Parliament to propose a new Prime Minister on the following day.
As a result, His Majesty has decided to appoint Muhyiddin as Prime Minister according to Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution following His Majesty's belief that Muhyiddin could command the majority of the Dewan Rakyat,[7] Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja (Comptroller of the National Palace) Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin announced in a palace statement. According to PAS Secretary-General Takiyuddin Hassan, Muhyiddin was supported by 114 MPs representing BERSATU, BN, PAS, GBS and GPS.[8]SarawakChief MinisterAbang Johari Openg later announced that GPS is not a part of the newly created Perikatan Nasional (National Alliance) coalition but a party that provides confidence and supply to Muhyiddin.
Despite Mahathir's claim that he received support from 114 MPs to return to premiership at the night before Muhyiddin's swearing-in, Muhyiddin was sworn in as the eighth Prime Minister[9] at 10.33 in the morning of 1 March.
On 8 July 2021, the UMNO made an official announcement to withdraw its supports towards the Muhyiddin government,[10] citing the mismanagement of the COVID-19, the misuse of Emergency Declaration, and so on.[11]
Composition
On 9 March 2020, Muhyiddin announced his Cabinet of 32 ministers and 38 deputy ministers.[12] The Cabinet includes six technocrats who was appointed as Senators on 10 March 2020 before taking office.[13][14] The position of Deputy Prime Minister was kept vacant as "there is no need to appoint one". Instead, the Senior Ministers will deputise for the Prime Minister in his absence should such necessity arise.[15]
Until July 2021, the post of Deputy Prime Minister was left vacant since Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 1 March 2020 until he nominated Ismail Sabri Yaakob for this position on 7 July 2021.[16]
On 16 August 2021, the Muhyiddin cabinet had dissolved after they handed in their resignation to His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.[17]
^The post of Deputy Minister of National Unity was supposed to be filled by Bintulu MP, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (GPS-PDP) He then declined as "it was not befitting of his stature as a party chief and a five-term MP".
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