Former Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been sworn in as the ninth premier of Malaysia. The new leader faces the daunting task of bringing the coronavirus pandemic under control and stabilizing a nation wracked by political turmoil for years due to a bitter power struggle between the ruling and opposition parties.
Muhyiddin Yassin, the previous leader, resigned with his cabinet on Aug. 16, saying he had lost the support of the majority of parliament after being criticized for failing to control the pandemic and for disregarding parliament. The ruling coalition has been beset by a series of defections since July.
