Bangkok, Aug 20, 2021, SPA -- Former defense minister and deputy premier Ismail Sabri Yaakob was on Friday named Malaysia's ninth prime minister, replacing Muhyiddin Yassin who stood down at the start of the week. Ismail Sabri will be sworn in on Saturday afternoon, according to a statement by Malaysia's Royal Palace. His nomination was confirmed by King Abdullah, who, with parliament not due to sit until next month, sought nominations for the premiership from the country's 220 lawmakers and held meetings with party leaders about who could form a government, dpa reported. --SPA 15:10 LOCAL TIME 12:10 GMT 0019 www.spa.gov.sa/w1605017