Muhyiddin’s Resignation Further Muddies Malaysia's Political Future

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation will heighten political uncertainty as competing forces try to muster a majority under the caretaker government. On Aug. 16, Muhyiddin stepped down from his post following a meeting with Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, formally ending his 18-month rule at the helm of the fragile and embattled Perikatan Nasional coalition. However, with the constitution containing no provisions for a minority government and with no majority bloc yet assembled, Muhyiddin will serve as caretaker prime minister for an interim period. Malaysian politicians will now move quickly to try to negotiate a new political balance with few prospects for a new election to extend any faction’s advantages. ...