Yet his sombre demeanour suggests awareness that his government is one born out of a political storm that had gripped Malaysians for the past few weeks. The trouble began with the defection of 11 Pakatan Harapan MPs on Feb 23, and the drama of ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad’s shocking resignation on Feb 24. It threw the country into turmoil and wiped out RM43.4 billion ($14.46 billion) in market capitalisation from Bursa Malaysia in one day.
SINGAPORE (Mar 13): On the evening of March 9, newly-appointed Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin stood in front of flashing cameras and jostling journalists, solemnly promising he would form a “functional government” to best serve the needs of the people.
He had just been sworn in as premier on March 2 by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and he was about to announce his new Cabinet, formed of the Peri- katan Nasional (National Alliance): which consists of former Pakatan Harapan MPs, Umno andPAS MPs, and the East Malaysian parties from Sabah and Sarawak.
