The muted 1st day may be a reflection of Muhyiddin’s demeanour, known to be more publicity-shy

by ALIFAH ZAINUDDIN / pic by RAZAK GHAZALI

PRIME Minister (PM) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s (picture) first day as the country’s new leader began on a distinctively quieter note yesterday with a two-paragraph statement being the only remarks that came from his office.

Muhyiddin, who was named PM by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah after a week of political turmoil, reported for duty at 8am — calmly making his way into the relatively empty PM’s Office to sign a document.

He then met with the chief secretary to the government Datuk Seri Mohd Zuki Ali and other members of the administration to coordinate the smooth running of the new administration.

By noon, he was in his home state of Johor where he visited the graves of his parents and paid his respects.

The muted first day may be a reflection of Muhyiddin’s demeanour, known to be more publicity-shy.

Muhyiddin, who turns 73 in May, was sworn in as Malaysia’s eighth PM on Sunday following his appointment by the King in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

The long-ruling Malay party Umno, along with Islamist party PAS, threw their support behind Muhyiddin, with prospects of a pro-ethnic Malay government raising concern to the 67% of the population who voted Barisan Nasional out.

Muhyiddin now faces a daunting task to set up a cohesive Cabinet, with representatives from Umno, PAS and Parti Bersatu Sabah expected to demand senior positions in the government.