KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has given consent to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to act as caretaker Prime Minister until a new Prime Minister is appointed.

Comptroller of the Royal Household for Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the King made the decision after receiving the resignation letter from Muhyiddin and his entire Cabinet which took effect today.

"This is in line with Article 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution which stated that the King shall first appoint as Prime Minister to preside over the Cabinet a member of Dewan Rakyat who in his judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that Dewan Rakyat.

"His Majesty also expressed appreciation to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his Cabinet for their contribution in administering the country under Perikatan Nasional since March 1, 2020, especially in fighting COVID-19 pandemic," he said in a statement today.

Al-Sultan Abdullah had earlier granted an audience to Muhyiddin at Istana Negara at 12.30 pm.