Malaysian royals meet over new PM, likely choice stirs anger

Malaysian state royals are meeting Friday to discuss the appointment of a new prime minister, with the likely choice stirring public anger and warnings of more political instability

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysian state royals are meeting Friday at the national palace to discuss the appointment of a new prime minister, with the likely choice stirring public anger and warnings of more political instability. Former Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is poised to take the top job after reportedly gaining the support of 114 lawmakers, a slender majority. Ismail’s appointment would see the return of the United Malays National Organization, which ruled Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957 before it was ousted in 2018 over a multibillion-dollar financial scandal. The pick also would essentially restore the ruling alliance of Muhyiddin Yassin, who resigned as prime minister on Monday after less than 18 months in office.