Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on Tuesday announced that he will choose the next prime minister soon. However, he did not mention any timeline for his decision, as the political chaos from an inconclusive election continued for a third day.
Saturday’s election concluded in an unprecedented hung parliament, with neither of the two main prime minister running for the elections – Anwar Ibrahim, the head of the opposition, and Muhyiddin Yassin, a former prime minister, secured the simple majority required to establish a government.
The election risks delaying the policy decisions required to spark an economic rebound in the Southeast Asian country, which has had three prime ministers in as many years.
The ruling coalition Barisan Nasional refused to support any of the candidate. This could effect both Anwar and Muhyiddin from gaining a majority.
It is now up to the constitutional monarch, who plays a largely ceremonial role but can appoint whoever he believes will command a majority.
The king said, “Let me make a decision soon,” he gave the statement to the reporters. He also urged Malaysians to welcome any decision about the government formation.
The king had given political parties until Tuesday at 2 p.m. (0600 GMT) to form the coalitions necessary for a majority.
