PETALING JAYA: The appointment of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as prime minister shows the need for the Opposition to work harder to face the 15th General Election, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

       He said the Opposition acknowledged that Ismail Sabri's appointment as the ninth Prime Minister was in accordance with the law.

       "We take note that the decision was in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Constitution, Parliamentary democracy and the constitutional monarchy," said Anwar.

       "For the Opposition, this is a challenge for us to work harder to face the 15th General Election," added the Opposition leader in a statement on Friday (Aug 20).

       The PKR president also called for collective action to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and address the economic challenges faced by the rakyat.

       "For all leaders, members and supporters, we urge everyone to accept this decision with the clear determination of working harder in the face of the 15th General Election," added the Port Dickson MP.

       Istana Negara announced on Friday the appointment of Ismail Sabri as the ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia, replacing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin after the latter's 17 months in office.

       Comptroller of the Royal Household for Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had decreed Ismail's Sabri's appointment following a special meeting of Malay Rulers on Friday.

       The swearing-in ceremony will take place in Istana Negara at 2.30pm on Saturday.