Over 170,000 sign petition in opposed to Ismail Sabri becoming PM

19 Aug 2021 By Ilona Andrew KOTA KINABALU: An online petition in opposed to former Health Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri becoming the ninth Malaysia's Prime Minister has gained over 170,000 virtual signatures as of 11.30am today. The petition, which was launched yesterday states that Ismail has mishandled the Covid-19 pandemic, causing large-scale infections. "Ismail Sabri" also trended on Twitter today with most tweets disapproving the Prime Minister candidate. The MP for Bera has been under fire for not necessitating 14-day quarantine for individuals who returned from Sabah after the State Election last year, sparking widespread Covid-19 infections. Following Tan Sri Muhyiddin's resignation as Prime Minister on Monday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah has decreed that successor candidate who has the confidence of majority must submit motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat. Yesterday, it was reported that Ismail Sabri has the most majority with 114 MPs backing him - 37 from Umno, 31 from Bersatu, 18 from PAS, 18 from GPS, two from MCA, one each from STAR, PBS, MIC and PBRS, as well as four Independent MPs. These MPs have been summoned by the King for an audience to verify the support. The Kingg is scheduled to meet with other lawmakers on Friday and a decision on the new prime minister is likely to be announced after that. The Opposition bloc, on the other hand, has yesterday submitted PKR President Datuk Anwar Ibrahim's name as their choice of Prime Minister. This was rallied behind 105 MPs from DAP (42), PKR (35), Amanah (11), Warisan (eight), Pejuang (four), PSB (two), Upko (one), and two independent MPs. The Opposition needs at least five more votes to gain a simple majority and form the next government.