PETALING JAYA: Umno hopes incoming prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be able to achieve the party's intention of materialising the people's aspirations and overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this should be done while ensuring that the utmost priority is the people's safety.

       He said this was in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's call for unity and cooperation among Members of Parliament and ending all politicking for the sake of the country.

       "It is hoped that the new government will work to ensure political stability is achieved in a reasonable period before the 15th General Elections is held," he said.

       Congratulating Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Ahmad Zahid also thanked all MPs who entrusted Ismail Sabri to be Malaysia's ninth prime minister.

       On Friday (Aug 20), Istana Negara announced the appointment of Ismail Sabri as the ninth prime minister of Malaysia, following a meeting that lasted for more than two hours with Malay Rulers.

       Ismail Sabri will be sworn in at 2.30pm on Saturday (Aug 21) in Istana Negara.

       He will be replacing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who had served as prime minister for 17 months under the Perikatan Nasional government that took over from the previous Pakatan Harapan administration in March 2020.