KUALA LUMPUR: It took less than 15 minutes for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to be sworn in as Prime Minister in a simple ceremony witnessed by the King and Queen and a handful of guests.

       He took his oath of office as the ninth Prime Minister before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara yesterday.

       Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also graced the swearing-in ceremony held at Balai Singgahsana Kecil (Minor Throne Room).

       Ismail Sabri, who is Umno vice-president and Bera MP, was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Muhaini Zainal Abidin.

       Their four children were present, too.

       Wearing a black baju Melayu and gold-embroidered samping, Ismai Sabri, 61, signed the instruments of appointment after taking the oath.

       It was witnessed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.

       All the guests were fully-masked. Covid-19 precautions were followed throughout the brief ceremony.

       Among those present were former prime ministers Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

       Others in attendance were Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       Also spotted were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim, as well as officials of Istana Negara.

       Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah recited the doa to conclude the 15-minute ceremony.

       Later, Ismail Sabri left in a black Toyota Vellfire but he wound down the window and waved to journalists who had staked out at Gate 1.

       He was accompanied by police outriders and a convoy of about five heavily tinted vehicles.

       A law graduate from Universiti Malaya, he is the third Prime Minister of Malaysia to come from Pahang.

       His appointment marks the return of Umno to assuming the post after Najib’s departure in the aftermath of the 14th General Election.

       He is also the first from Umno who is Prime Minister but not the president of the party.

       His ascension to the post of Prime Minister came following Muhyiddin’s resignation last Monday after 15 Umno MPs retracted their support for him and the Perikatan Nasional government.

       Ismail Sabri was picked to lead the nation after he secured the support of 114 MPs who had individually affirmed their decision to the King on Thursday.

       His appointment is in accordance with Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution which stated that the King has to appoint the MP believed to be most likely to command the majority of the members of Dewan Rakyat.

       Bernama quoted Ismail Sabri, thanking the King for appointing him as the Prime Minister.

       “My thanks also go to fellow Members of Parliament including Independents and heads of political parties,” he told reporters outside his residence.

       He also expressed his gratitude to Ahmad Zahid and the Umno supreme council for their confidence in him.