Malaysia’s king Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has appointed former Malaysian interior minister and president of the Bersatu party Muhyiddin Yassin as the new prime minister.

Malaysian royal officials released a press release according to which Muhyiddin Yassin will be sworn in on Sunday as he likely commands the most support of any candidate.

The statement said “the process to appoint the prime minister cannot be delayed because the country needs a government for the well-being of the people and the nation.”

Earlier, the Yang di-Pertuan (ADP) Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has accepted Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation as prime minister.

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Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Mohd Zuki Ali said in a statement “however, His Majesty consents to the appointment of Dr. Mahathir Mohamad as the interim Prime Minister, while waiting for the appointment of a new prime minister in line with Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution,” Zuki Ali said.

“Therefore, during this period, he (Dr. Mahathir) will handle the administration of the country until a new Prime Minister is appointed and a new Cabinet is formed,” he added.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, at 94 the world´s oldest leader, has submitted his resignation to the king on Monday, his office said, after a bid by his political partners to bring down the government.

Mahathir “has sent a resignation letter as prime minister of Malaysia”, said a statement from his office.