Ismail Sabri Yaakob Becomes Malaysian PM In Today's Memory, August 20, 2021

JAKARTA Memories of today, four years ago, August 20, 2021, the King of Malaysia, Sultan Abdulah appointed Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the new Prime Minister (PM). Ismail's appointment was greeted with great fanfare by the Malaysian parliament. Even though the Malaysian people criticized it.

Previously, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia was notoriously bad. This condition made Muhyiddin Yassin criticized. The Malaysian PM is considered to have failed to break the chain of the corona virus. At its peak, Muhyiddin resigned from the Malaysian Prime Minister.

The presence of the corona virus is often a big test for all countries in the world. Each country tries everything against the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone who manages to minimize transmission will get praise. Conditions are different when the government actually worsens the atmosphere.

Blasphemy after blasphemy will be obtained. Take the example of Muhyiddin Yassin. The Malaysian PM initially thought that all steps to deal with COVID-19 had a positive influence. He considered his steps to protect the Malaysian people. However, the reality on the ground is different.

Muhyiddin's move to start implementing an emergency status in Malaysia has led to new problems since early 2021. Economic activities are carried out on a limited basis. All kinds of political contestations have been canceled. The determination of the emergency status will last until early August 2021.

This condition actually made the Malaysian people even more stunned. The policy became Muhyiddin's field to smooth out his political agenda. He can issue policies without having to consult with parliament. There are also allegations of corruption related to the COVID-19 budget.

The problem reached the ears of the King of Malaysia, Sultan Abdullah. The owner of power saw for himself how the Malaysian people were increasingly miserable because of the policy against COVID-19. Not to mention Muhyiddin who wants to extend the duration of the emergency status. This condition raises opposition from everywhere.

The push to step back has risen. In fact, the pressure arose from his coalition in the government. Muhyiddin, who initially refused to resign, finally changed his mind. He then expressed his desire to resign on August 15, 2021. The postponement was later officially accepted on August 16, 2021.

"After his resignation, His Majesty has agreed that His Excellency Muhyiddin Yassin will serve as interim prime minister until the new prime minister is appointed," said a press statement from the State Palace as quoted on the CNA page, August 16, 2021.

Malaysia's King, Sultan Abdullah began to look for the right candidate to replace Muhyiddin. The power of attorney also heard input from parliament. Finally, Sultan Abdullah appointed Deputy PM, Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the new Malaysian PM on August 20, 2021. He was sworn in then on August 21, 2021.

The appointment received good response from Malaysian lawmakers. However, not for all Malaysian people. They considered Ismail not much different from Muhyiddin. Ismail is also considered to be the culprit for COVID-19 in Malaysia because he is part of the government.

An online petition was also presented. Those who oppose Ismail as Prime Minister of Malaysia reach 350 thousand people who signed the petition. However, the decision of the King of Malaysia is final.

People's responses really return to old stories in terms of handling COVID-19. Ismail Sabri is a central figure in handling the corona virus, and now his position has risen from defense, deputy PM, to PM. The same people who manage the same pandemic and get worse every day," said one of the critics, Serina Abdul Rahman as quoted on The Guardian's page, August 20, 2021.