Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has called for the establishment of a new federal government and to name a new prime minister immediately.
In a video message posted on his Facebook today, the state ruler urged all quarters to respect the voice of the rakyat who had demanded a new government.
“I call for a new government to be appointed with immediate effect without wasting any more time,” he said in the two-minute clip today.
“I hope that the Istana Negara will appoint a new prime minister today. Because this is of the rakyat’s interest, and not the interest of me or any other particular individuals.”
Sultan Ibrahim also said he was looking forward to working with the newly elected government for the best of the rakyat.
He also congratulated all the parties that achieved their aims in the elections that concluded yesterday.
Earlier, outgoing prime minister Najib Razak said in a televised media conference that he accepted the “choice of the people”.
“I accept and my friends accept…it has been the choice of the people and the Barisan Nasional party is committed to respecting the principles of democracy,” Najib said.
However, he appeared to raise doubt that Dr Mahathir Mohamad would succeed him, saying that since no single party – but rather a coalition – had won a simple majority, it would be up to the Agong to decide who should be the next leader.
PH’s stunning victory has set Mahathir on course to be the world’s oldest elected leader.
Official results showed PH, along with ally Warisan in Sabah, had won 115 seats with BN on 79 seats.
Pakatan retained Pulau Pinang and Selangor and wrested control of Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.
Later, in a press conference, Mahathir said he expects to be sworn in today as Malaysia’s seventh prime minister.
“There is an urgency here, we need to form the Government now, today,” he said.