Much like Tottenham Hotspur, Malaysia finds itself in the position of having to look for a new "manager".

There might be a number of interested candidates, but as ever, it comes down to the numbers game. Whoever commands the support of a majority of the Members of Parliaments (MPs), and can demonstrate as such to the king, becomes the prime minister.

As there are currently 220 MPs, the number needed for a majority is 111.

Of course, the ideal situation might be to hold a general election to resolve the question of who has majority support. But with Malaysia still recording record numbers of Covid-19 infections, holding an election right now is simply out of the question.

So one can only imagine the negotiations and deals being struck behind the scenes. As it stands, the following four contenders might stand a chance.

Ismail Sabri Yaakob

On paper, Ismail Sabri looks like the most likely candidate for the top job.

Prior to the Cabinet's resignation, he was Deputy Prime Minister and formerly Senior Minister in charge of Security, as well as Defence Minister.

He is also a member of UMNO, the bigger party in the Perikatan Nasional coalition. But Ismail Sabri faces a few challenges.

He became the "face" of the Movement Control Orders (lockdowns), announcing their implementation, which meant that he caught flak from the public when teething problems cropped up.

And perhaps the biggest hurdle he faces comes from his own party.

Recently, UMNO declared on two occasions that its supreme council had decided to withdraw support for Muhyiddin.

However, Ismail Sabri stood by Muhyiddin's side each time, something for which UMNO party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said there would be "consequences".

Ismail Sabri may simply not have the support it takes from his own party, let alone the other parties needed for a majority.

Anwar Ibrahim

The perennial contender rears his head once more -- he may be closer now than he's ever been.

The leader of PKR, the leader of the opposition, the one-time anointed successor to Mahathir in the Pakatan Harapan coalition may be about to get the top job at last.

Anwar may command one of the largest voting blocs, with Pakatan Harapan (PKR, DAP and Amanah) holding 89 seats in Parliament.

But he might have some difficulty finding another 22 MPs to lend their support.

UMNO has stated a number of times that they refuse to work with the DAP or back Anwar for PM.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) also said in the past that they refuse to work with the DAP.

Anwar may have to make concessions and other offers. But it's a delicate act, and he might find the top job just a bridge too far.

Ku Li

Here's a name not many may expect -- Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Ku Li, as he's popularly known, is a veteran MP in his eighties and influential member of UMNO. He previously served as Finance Minister under Hussein Onn and Mahathir Mohamad.

He's also a prince, a member of the Kelantan royal family and the grand-uncle of the current Sultan of Kelantan.

Ku Li previously urged for a vote of confidence to be held, for the Muhyiddin government to prove its legitimacy.

In July 2021, he said he is ready to serve as Prime Minister.

The Star also reported on Aug. 16 that his name is on the shortlist of UMNO's candidates for the top job.

Mahathir Mohamad

And here's a name that most people will be familiar with.

Mahathir has left UMNO, left Bersatu, and his Pejuang party only holds four seats in parliament.

At 96, he is the oldest candidate. But Mahathir may still be game for an unprecedented third stint as Malaysia's prime minister, or at least, leader of a national council.

In June 2021, Mahathir proposed the creation of a bipartisan national recovery council, which would also include experts with knowledge relevant to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He offered to lead such a council. Time will tell if Mahathir's idea has enough support, and whether he would be the one named to head it.

At least one pundit, Gopal Sri Ram, who's a former judge, has mentioned Mahathir's name as a contender in running for the top job, but only if he has the numbers.

But given the limited support he commands among the MPs, he's perhaps the least likely contender for the top job.

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Top image by ARIF KARTONO/AFP via Getty Images