Malaysia PM quits after just 17 months in office
Malaysia's prime minister and his government resign after just 17 months in office, throwing the country into fresh political turmoil as it battles a serious coronavirus outbreak.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin submitted his resignation to the king, after losing his majority owing to infighting among the ruling coalition. This puts an end to a tumultuous 17 months in office but also brings more uncertainty to Malaysia as the country grapples with surging Covid-19 cases and an economic downturn.
It was not immediately clear who could form the next government; given there is no clear majority in parliament, or whether elections could be held during the pandemic.
The king has the constitutional power to appoint a prime minister from among elected lawmakers based on who he thinks can command a majority. He could also appoint an interim premier until a permanent successor is found.
The premier would then have to face a confidence vote in parliament.
