Day 7: Harapan forgets to include Hulu Selangor MP in list

We support Muhyiddin as PM, but we're not in Perikatan Nasional: GPS

8.10pm: GPS says it supports Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister, but is not part of the Perikatan Nasional government.

"GPS is not a member of Perikatan Nasional but only as a political entity in Sarawak that gives support to Muhyiddin in the interest of the nation and to save Malaysia from political instability without sacrificing the interest of Sarawak.

"At this juncture, GPS will only be a political party that is friendly to Perikatan Nasional," says a statement from the Sarawak Chief Minister's Office.

If you like our reporting, support independent media by subscribing to Malaysiakini for as low as RM0.55 a day. Details here.

'Lying to be PM?' Mukhriz disputes numbers backing Muhyiddin 

8pm: Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir has questioned how 36 MPs can be considered to be in support of Muhyiddin Yassin, if six of them are backing Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He says the six are himself, Mahathir, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Simpang Renggam MP Dr Maszlee Malik, Kuala Pilah MP Eddin Syazlee Shith, and Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah.

"Lying to be PM?" he says in a Facebook post.

The post is attached with a statement from yesterday which states that Bersatu backed Muhyiddin as prime minister after a meeting attended by 36 MPs.

Eddin Syazlee has been spotted at Muhyiddin's house after he was appointed prime minister, while Maszlee expressed gratitude over the appointment.

Read the full report here. 

Do not go to illegal Dataran Merdeka rally, police warn public 

7.50pm: Police have warned the public against attending tonight's 8.30pm rally at Dataran Merdeka.

"It's an illegal rally as it will be done all of sudden, there's no notice and it didn't follow procedures, I advise people not to attend this rally.

"The organisers will face legal charges if they proceed," Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim tells Astro Awani.

Maszlee Malik says he's grateful Muhyiddin chosen as PM 

7.40pm: Just three hours after declaring support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik now says he is grateful that Muhyiddin Yassin had been appointed prime minister.

"As a responsible party member and good citizen who wants the best for the people, I welcome and honour the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's decree assenting to appoint Muhyiddin as prime minister.

"I pray that Malaysia remains peaceful and continues to move forward," he says in a statement.

GPS decides to back Muhyiddin, snubs Dr M because of DAP

7.25pm: GPS is backing Muhyiddin, says its Santubong MP Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He tells The Malaysian Insight that the coalition had an online meeting last night, so they can decide on what to tell the Agong in the morning.

"It’s a case of time constraints because the King wants to end the impasse. (So) We had our meeting online and we decided on Muhyiddin," he was quoted as saying.

He adds that the coalition did not back Mahathir because of DAP.

Earlier FMT reported that Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg also snubbed an offer by DAP to make concessions in the state.

'Perikatan Nasional has enough seats to form Malacca gov't' 

7.20pm: Muhyiddin's House - Bersatu's Paya Rumput assemblyperson Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen (photo) says the new Perikatan Nasional pact has 16 assemblypersons, enough to form the Malacca state government.

"Insha Allah, myself and BN leaders will meet the governor to form the state government," he says, adding that this meeting will take place within one or two days.

Eddin Syazlee turns up at Muhyiddin's house 

7.10pm: Muhyiddin's house, Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Pilah MP Eddin Syazlee Shith, who was earlier said to be heading to Yayasan Albukhary has instead turned up at Muhyiddin's home.

He arrived at around 6.50pm, before leaving at around 7.10pm.

Protest being held at 8.30pm tonight at Dataran Merdeka

6.25pm: A protest has been called for 8.30pm tonight at Dataran Merdeka.

"Those who are outraged by the betrayal, let’s gather tonight at Dataran Merdeka at 830pm. See you there!" reads a message circulating on WhatsApp.

It is understood the rally is being organised by the same group that staged a protest at the square on Tuesday night. That protest was attended by some 80 people.

Rina Harun at Muhyiddin's residence

5.30pm: Bersatu Women's chief Rina Harun arrives at the residence of party president Muhyiddin Yassin in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

Rina (below) is also the MP for Titiwangsa. 

Read more: Parliament sitting on March 9 is the next battleground

Both sides claim majority, Harapan meets Mahathir 

5:30pm: PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan says that 114 out of 222 MPs back newly announced Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He says he is "unclear" which parties they come from but mentions Bersatu, PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

"This was told to us, we have crossed the line," he says when stopped by the media outside Muhyiddin's house in Bukit Damansara.

Takiyuddin thanks the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for appointing Muhyiddin "in line with the Federal Constitution" and congratulates the new PM.

"This should not be questioned by anyone," he adds.

Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa similarly says he is thankful to God for the Agong's decision.

He had earlier tweeted that Umno wanted snap polls.

Meanwhile, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub tells the media outside Yayasan Albukhary that Pakatan Harapan has garnered "111 or 112 MPs" on their side as of 4pm today.

Harapan leaders are now meeting with interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to discuss their next step. 

If you like our reporting, support independent media by subscribing to Malaysiakini for as low as RM0.55 a day. Details here.

Harapan will still submit SD figures to Palace

5.15pm: Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya - Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub (below) says Pakatan Harapan will get the total figure of statutory declarations (SDs) they have collected and submit them to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to prove the support they have received.

He says the letter from the Palace yesterday did not specify the closure of timeline for both sides to get the support via SDs.

As such, he says the Harapan parties will still work on getting more support from the lawmakers as of 5pm today.

"What we are trying to do is get the SD and we are confident that we have the numbers," says Salahuddin.

He, however, does not reveal if the SDs submitted to the Palace by the party chiefs in the afternoon were enough to ensure Harapan to reclaim Putrajaya.

He only says Harapan may reveal this later after the Harapan meeting with Mahathir this evening.

He says Harapan will study the law and Federal Constitution before determining its next move.

Wan Saiful hopes Muhyiddin's appointment marks end to crisis

5.15pm: Bersatu supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan hopes that Muhyiddin's appointment as prime minister marks an end to the political crisis, and a resumption of nation-building.

"The leaders who are receiving this new mandate must ensure that deeds of past leaders will continue to be appreciated," he adds.

He also calls for Bersatu to reunite with better discipline.

Meanwhile, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin when met at Muhyiddin's house was grateful for the King's decision.

"Thank God. Our hard work for one week has succeeded in installing Muhyiddin as prime minister," she says.

Muhyiddin thanks supporters, hopes M'sians accept Palace's decision

5.10pm: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin when met by the media at his house in Bukit Damansara voices his gratitude to God and thank all his supporters over the Istana Negara's decision to appoint him as the eighth prime minister.

Muhyiddin (photo) also says that he hopes all Malaysians will accept the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's decision.

"I am grateful to Allah for His reward that I am chosen to be the eighth PM, with the blessing of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong," he says.

Muhyiddin also expresses his gratitude to Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

"I hope that all Malaysians will accept this decision announced by the Istana Negara today.

"I was informed that the swearing-in ceremony would be held before the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow at 10.30am.

"Insha Allah I will be at the National Palace tomorrow."

Meanwhile, a video clip has also been circulating on social media, showing Muhyiddin performing the "sujud syukur" prayer, soon after he received the news about his appointment.

King appoints Muhyiddin as 8th prime minister 

5pm: The Agong has appointed Muhyiddin Yassin as the 8th prime minister.

This is after the King opined that the Pagoh MP enjoyed majority confidence of the House.

Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution states: "The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong shall first appoint as prime minister to preside over the cabinet a member of the House of Representatives who in his judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that house."

Read the full report here. 

Amiruddin Hamzah and two other MPs on the way to see Mahathir 

4:30pm: Bersatu Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah confirms with Malaysiakini that he is on the way to Yayasan Albukhary to meet with interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He says two other Bersatu MPs - Simpang Renggam's Maszlee Malik and Kuala Pilah's Eddin Syazlee Shith are also on the way.

This comes after Maszlee declared his support for Mahathir as the PM candidate.

Maszlee Malik sides with Mahathir

4.30pm: Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik, who was at Muhyiddin's house this morning, has declared his support for Mahathir.

Maszlee says as a team player, he had followed the party line when they nominated Muhyiddin as prime minister.

However, he says he found it difficult to work with individuals involved in corruption.

"All this while I have always listened to the party's orders, up until this second. In fact this morning I was with party leaders in a negotiation to solve this issue. This crisis must be solved immediately," he says.

He adds that there is a need to move forward, and place the people's agenda first.

"As such, I am declaring my support for Mahathir to be prime minister," he says.

Warisan says position unchanged, still behind Dr M

4.10pm: Parti Warisan Sabah says it remains consistent in its support for Langkawi MP Dr Mahathir Mohamad to become the next prime minister.

"Warisan is consistent with its previous stance that it will support Mahathir as prime minister," says Warisan secretary-general Loretto Padua.

The decision was reaffirmed following a leadership meeting.

Meanwhile, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil says Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan (below), who just this morning was at Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin's home in Kuala Lumpur, will not back Mahathir.

Mahathir and Muhyiddin, even though from the same party, are now split and are competing to form the next government.

Read the full report here. 

Anwar confirms three MPs join Harapan including Richard Riot 

3.40pm: Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya - PKR president Anwar Ibrahim confirms additional three MPs joined Pakatan Harapan parties.

This included Serian MP Richard Riot (below) from GPS, he says.

That adds up to 95 as compared with 92 MPs Harapan had before this.

Anwar, however, did not name two other MPs who defected to Harapan.

"(We) have 95 MPs and definitely Tun (Mahathir) will bring in a few more," he says.

Without giving an exact figure, he said they now already have far more MPs on their side.

When asked to confirm if Riot joined PKR, Anwar says he is going to join the party.

"He called just now, (he) applied for some time already. He confirms he is on the way," says Anwar.

Dr M and Siti Hasmah leave granddaughter's reception

3pm: Shangrila Hotel, Kuala Lumpur - Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is accompanied by wife Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as they leave their granddaughter’s wedding reception.

An aide tells Malaysiakini that he is scheduled to head home to The Mines and has no other events planned for today.

Dressed in a grey suit, Mahathir declines questions from the media. 

If you like our reporting, support independent media by subscribing to Malaysiakini for as low as RM0.55 a day. Details here.

Anwar on giving way to Dr M: National interest supersedes my own

2.30pm: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's presence at Istana Negara earlier was to nominate Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister, according to a Sin Chew Daily report.

The report says Anwar wanted to inform the ruler that Harapan will now switch its support from Anwar to Mahathir as a candidate for prime minister.

"I am very touched by the support for me but I choose to look at the national interest over personal agenda.

"So, I hope my friends will not be disappointed. We need to think about national interest and how we can develop the country," he was quoted as saying.

Read more: How Dr M and Anwar struck deal to thwart return of the 'corrupt'

'Difficult to say anything' - Constant plot twists leave Ismail speechless 

2.05pm: Muhyiddin Yassin's house, Kuala Lumpur - Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri hopes that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will do what's best for the country and avoid instability.

Ismail (above) says he is unable to comment on Mahathir's latest decision to ally himself with Pakatan Harapan because the latter's position kept changing.

"At first he wanted (to be PM), then he quit, then when Muhyiddin Yassin agreed, he (Mahathir) came back, then he agreed that Muhyiddin is the candidate. Now he doesn't agree.

"It's difficult to say anything. If I say something in the morning, it might change in the evening," he says.

Respite from politics: Dr M attends granddaughter's wedding

2pm: Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur - Interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad takes a respite from the political turmoil to attend his granddaughter Meera Alyana Mukhriz's wedding reception.

Malaysiakini was informed that Mahathir arrived at the Shangrila Hotel in Kuala Lumpur an hour ago for the reception.

Special Action Unit (UTK) bodyguards are present at the venue.

There are reports that Mahathir may head to Istana Negara later in the day.

However, his aide tells Malaysiakini that this is not yet confirmed.

Fahmi Fadzil hopes political impasse will end soon

2pm: Hotel Eastin, Petaling Jaya - PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil hopes the political impasse will end in one or two days.

He believes they can get the support of some representatives who are not happy with their party leadership and the support from MPs from Sabah and Sarawak.

"No matter what, we will wait from the announcement from the Palace.

"(We) pray that this can be resolved in one or two days," he says. 

Annuar Musa asking for snap polls again

2pm: Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa appears to be in favour snap polls yet again.

"Enough with this race. Regardless of who wins, it is very temporary. Mandate should be given back to the people.

"People understand well and can evaluate for themselves. Because of power, it is the people and the country which are suffering," he says on Twitter.

Umno and PAS previously supported Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister but wanted snap polls after Mahathir refused to work with Umno.

They then supported Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister after it appeared the Bersatu president may have a chance to form a new government with Umno's involvement.

But this was scuttled by Mahathir this morning after he struck a deal with Harapan.

Anwar leaves Istana Negara

1.50pm: Istana Negara - PKR president Anwar Ibrahim leaves the national palace after a 20-minute visit.

He was accompanied by PKR's Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil.

His vehicle does not stop but Anwar winds down his window slightly to wave at the journalists.

However, when journalists try to ask questions, his bodyguards try to keep them away from the vehicle.

Pushing ensues and some journalists fall to the ground. Angry journalists then confront Anwar's bodyguards.

Cops probe FB users claiming Agong asked Dr M to resign

1.30pm: Police initiate an investigation against Facebook user "Sharifah Sofia Syed Rashid III" who claimed that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong had asked interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to resign.

The postings claim Mahathir would be replaced with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Huzir Mohamed (above), in a statement, says investigations are also being conducted on those who shared the message, namely the Facebook users "Zali Zakri", "Kunak Sabah Balacan" and "Malek Hj Lahab".

They are being investigated under section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements conducing to public mischief and section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities.

"The police urge the public not to make, public or circulate any statements, rumours or news that can cause public mischief," he adds.

Bersatu sec-gen counters Muhyiddin, affirms Dr M as party chair

1pm: Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya affirms Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the Bersatu chairperson.

This is as Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin tries to seize control of the party by declaring himself as the acting Bersatu chairperson.

"In line with the principles of the rule of law and the party constitution, the only individual with absolute power to lead the party is the Bersatu chairperson which is Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Therefore, party actions and direction is subject to the decision of the Bersatu chairperson," says Marzuki in a statement.

Muhyiddin tries to seize control of Bersatu

12.35pm: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin declares himself as the acting Bersatu chairperson in an apparent bid to seize control of the party.

Ignoring the fact that the party had appealed for Mahathir to retract his Monday resignation which he agreed and was officially announced as the Bersatu chairperson again on Feb 27, Muhyiddin in a statement claims the seat is now vacant, making him the acting Bersatu chairperson.

According to Bersatu's constitution, the position of the chairperson is the ultimate authority in the party.

Muhyiddin's move comes as Mahathir sought to out-manoeuvre him this morning by striking a deal with Pakatan Harapan to support the latter as prime minister.

Muhyiddin was on the verge of forming the government with support from Umno and other parties.

Mahathir is vehemently against forming the government with Umno, of which several leaders are facing trial for grand corruption.

 Read the full report here.

Harapan leaders in mystery 'handover' at Istana Negara

12pm: Harapan leaders leave the national palace after a 30-minute visit.

They are coy about their purpose. The group comprises Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa, Amanah strategic director Dzulkefly Ahmad and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng (below).

Earlier, the group had stopped by the roadside near the palace and Dzulkefly was seen entering one of their vehicles to sign a document. Subsequently, they entered the palace.

Upon exiting, Dzulkefly said he had "handed over" something to the palace.

Pressed on what he meant, Dzulkefly merely reiterates that he had "handed over".

Anwar will make way to Dr M in new gov't

12pm: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim is expected to stay out of the new government that interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad may form even though the former's party is supporting it.

"In the halls, insiders are acknowledging that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim volunteered to not join the cabinet and to make way for Mahathir as prime minister, in order to keep Harapan 2.0 alive," says PKR's Subang MP Wong Chen (below).

Similarly, Focus Malaysia reports that Anwar has agreed to stand aside until the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) in November, which is the original transition plan under the previous Harapan government.

Citing sources, it says PKR defectors led by Gombak MP Azmin Ali and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who engineered the coup against the Harapan government, will be left out of the new government.

It adds that GPS and Warisan may also be incorporated into the new government. 

Read the full report here.

If you like our reporting, support independent media by subscribing to Malaysiakini for as low as RM0.55 a day. Details here.

Lawyer proposes no-confidence vote against 8th PM

11am: Lawyer New Sin Yew proposes that the present political crisis be solved through a no-confidence vote against interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the Dewan Rakyat.

Such a vote is a more assured way to record which prime minister candidate MPs support, given the present “dynamic” allegiances.

He noted that Mahathir possibly has the confidence of the majority to remain as the PM. 

“In my view, there is really only one solution to this - the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong should reject all extraneous evidence (Statutory Declarations, interviews, group gatherings) in determining whether a PM has ceased to command the confidence of majority because such evidence is so unreliable and the MPs are clearly not good for their word.

”The Agong should insist on having confidence tested in the Dewan Rakyat by way of a vote of no confidence where MPs cannot retract or change,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

This comes as both Mahathir and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin claim to have enough MPs behind them to claim the throne. 

'We will come back tomorrow' - Muhyiddin and allies leave Palace

10.50am: Istana Negara - Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has left Istana Negara barely 40 minutes after arriving.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, who is accompanying him says "We will come back tomorrow".

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and GPS chief whip Fadillah Yusof are also seen leaving.

Earlier this morning, the leaders had gathered at Muhyiddin home. Also present were Star's Keningau MP Jeffrey Kittingan and PBS' Pensiangan MP Arthur Joseph Kurup.

The group were planning to inform the palace that they have a majority to form a new government but Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is now on a collision course with Muhyiddin, pre-empted the move.

Mahathir has struck deal with Pakatan Harapan to support him. Bersatu sources have indicated that more will declare support for Mahathir soon.

Before entering the palace, Muhyiddin had confirmed his intention to form the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

"Our purpose is to try our best to save us from what we are facing in the country right now.

"Our intentions are sincere. We ask all Malaysians to pray that our efforts will receive support and prayers for its success," he says.

Group suggests East Malaysian leader as PM

10.45am: A group of civil society leaders has suggested that East Malaysia be given the chance to lead the new government.

They say this because peninsular leaders appear to have continuously fought over their own interest.

"It is about time we Malaysians give a chance for East Malaysian leaders who have shown religious and racial tolerance since the formation of Malaysia, and who have set examples of unity in diversity to lead the nation out of the current impasse.

"If Malaysia wants a unity government, let's start from the East. When we signed the Malaysian agreement, we hoped for a just society and fair society and caring leaders who put nation before self. It is now confirmed that the peninsular party leaders are only thinking about themselves.

"It is about time an East Malaysian leader is given the opportunity to lead the country as prime minister," they say.

Among the signatory of the statement include Lim Teck Ghee, Tajuddin Rasdi, Peter John Jaban, Faridah Mohd Fuad Stephens and Ambiga Sreenevasan.

Sarawak DAP is willing to make concessions with GPS

10.15am: Sarawak DAP is willing to make concessions with GPS in the upcoming state election, in the name of national interest.

"In the name of national interest, anything can," Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chien Jen tells Malaysiakini.

Asked if they're willing to work with GPS, he replies that they are open to working with anyone other than Umno and PAS.

Chong says the country is at a crossroads now and GPS must choose between working with "racists" and "religious extremists" in Umno and PAS, or with Pakatan Harapan.

Politicians arrive at the palace to meet the King

10.10am: Istana Negara - Politicians have started to arrive at the palace to meet the King.

Among those spotted thus far are Bersatu's Muhyiddin Yassin and Azmin Ali, Umno's Annuar Musa,  PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and GPS chief whip Fadillah Yusof.

'I never signed' says Syed Saddiq on SD

10am: Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman says he and several MPs did not sign any statutory declaration to support Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to become the next prime minister.

"I never signed," he tells the press on Whatsapp.

Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad had yesterday met with Bersatu MPs to make his case against working with Umno. However, after the meeting, Bersatu secretary-general announced that the party would support Muhyiddin, who is prepared to work with Umno, as prime minister.

He mentioned that the meeting was attended by 36 Bersatu MPs, including PKR defectors, but did not specifically say they had individually endorsed Muhyiddin.

Dr M declares he has the number to form new gov't

9.30am: Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad declares that he now has the numbers to form the new government.

This is after he met with Pakatan Harapan leaders this morning.

"I am now confident that I have the numbers needed to garner majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

"I am therefore prepared to stand as a prospective candidate for prime minister.

"This decision will be conveyed to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong," he says in a statement.

Pakatan Harapan, in a separate statement, confirms that the coalition will support Mahathir.

Read the full story here. 

Bersatu's Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman breaks ranks 

9.15am: Bersatu's Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman breaks ranks amid party president Muhyiddin Yassin's effort to form a new government with Umno.

"I became a politician at a time when my country was viewed with disdain by the world and embarrassed by corruption.

"I believed that Malaysians have the right to a better government. One that is free from corruption, respected and with dignity.

"I would like to stress one thing - I will never work with the corrupt. Far from it, I won't form a government with them," Syed Saddiq says in a Twitter post. 

Read the full report here. 

Political party leaders summoned to Istana Negara

8am: Istana Negara - Political party leaders are expected to meet the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong at 10.30am.

The ruler had on Tuesday and Wednesday interviewed MPs on their preference for prime minister but his majesty is not satisfied that any MP commands a majority.

To recap, BN and PAS MPs had earlier told the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong that they wanted the Dewan Rakyat dissolved while Pakatan Harapan leaders decided to nominate Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister after their former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad declined to restore the previous Harapan government.

GPS, Warisan and Bersatu were believed to have nominated Mahathir, who is Bersatu chairperson, as prime minister.

However, the position of the parties has changed yet again in a matter of days.

As of last night, BN, PAS and Bersatu are now backing Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister. Harapan's position remains unchanged for now and who GPS and Warisan will support is still up in the air.

The switch to Muhyiddin is due to Mahathir being adamant that he would not work with Umno.

Following party lines, this means Muhyiddin should have the support of 96 MPs while PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has 93, or at least in theory. The position of 33 more MPs is unclear.

It is unclear if the ruler can establish who has the most support by meeting the party chiefs today as not all MPs appear to stick to the party lines.

Bersatu MPs, for example, appear to be split between Muhyiddin and Mahathir.

Anwar has indicated that he hopes disgruntled MPs with side with Harapan, claiming that the coalition has the numbers to form the government.

This is a continuing effort to establish who has majority support to become the prime minister after a series of interviews with MPs his majesty

Day 7 of Sheraton Move

7.30am: It's now Day 7 of the Sheraton Move, a coup attempt to replace the Pakatan Harapan government with a new coalition called "Perikatan Nasional".

The coup plotters failed to install the new government but the Harapan government collapsed nonetheless.

After a brief attempt by Harapan leaders to restore the previous government, efforts to resume the coup appears to be gaining the upper hand.

As of last night, the frontrunners for prime minister now appear to be Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and his PKR counterpart Anwar Ibrahim.

On the surface, Muhyiddin is leading with the support of 96 MPs from Umno, MCA, MIC, PAS and Bersatu which now has 36 lawmakers after 10 MPs aligned to Azmin Ali joined the party.

Anwar, meanwhile, has the support of 92 MPs from Pakatan Harapan.

The two main players that have yet to declare a side is GPS and Warisan, and both sides will be aggressively courted by Muhyiddin and Anwar's factions.

It is unclear if interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad still wants to pursue his unity government agenda.