PETALING JAYA: All parliamentarians have been instructed to submit their vote on their candidate to become the next prime minister to Istana Negara.

       This comes after Istana Negara accepted the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the Prime Minister on Monday (Aug 16).

       Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun said in a letter on Tuesday (Aug 17) that the parliamentarians have until 4pm on Wednesday (Aug 18) to submit their vote in writing.

       "As instructed by a decree from His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, I hereby give notice to you to submit one letter stating clearly one member of the Dewan Rakyat whom you give your support to be the ninth prime minister," he said.

       The letter has to be submitted via fax, email or via WhatsApp and addressed to the King’s private secretary Datuk Nazim Mohd Alim.

       Azhar said that although the declaration letter does not have any specific format, it required several details such as the parliamentarian's identity; the person who has obtained the MPs trust to become prime minister, as well as certified as true copies before a lawyer or Commissioner of Oaths.

       Azhar also said that hand-delivered submissions would not be allowed as Istana Negara was located in an area under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and to prevent an outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic there.

       Azhar also said that late submissions and letters that did not fulfil the conditions required would not be entertained.

       "MPs are reminded to maintain secrecy over the contents of the letter until the Yang di-Pertuan Agong makes a decision on the matter," he said.

       On Monday, Muhyiddin announced that he tendered his resignation as the prime minister, as well as the Cabinet’s resignation to the King.

       Muhyiddin is currently the caretaker Prime Minister until his successor has been identified.