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Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been sworn in as Malaysia's ninth prime minister in a ceremony overseen by the King at the national palace.

According to the Malay Mail, his ascension to power returns UMNO back to the head of Malaysia's government after the party helped to engineer the previous administration's downfall.

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was ousted after 15 UMNO MPs withdrew their support for him and his coalition.

Yet, Malaysiakini reported that 14 of the would-be turncoats have since returned to the fold after the Muhyiddin's coalition backed Ismail Sabri for the prime minister post.

Ismail Sabri's appointment came after he mustered the support of 114 lawmakers, giving him a simple majoring of the 220 seats in Malaysia's parliament.

According to Malaysiakini, he will be the first prime minister who is neither the head nor deputy head of a political party.

UMNO's president is facing graft charges, while its deputy is not an MP.

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