Malaysia’s king on Friday appointed the former deputy prime minister to Muhyiddin Yassin, who resigned after less than 18 months in office, as the country’s new leader. Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah said Ismail Sabri Yaakob had secured the backing of 114 lawmakers in the 222-seat parliament, clinching the simple majority required to rule. Ahmad Shah said the 61-year-old politician will be sworn in as Malaysia’s ninth prime minister on Aug. 21. The monarch said in a statement they hope the new government will unite in tackling the country’s worsening CCP virus pandemic while also urging lawmakers to set aside their political differences. “His Majesty expressed the hope that with the appointment of the new prime minister, the political crisis can end immediately and all lawmakers can unite to put aside political agendas,” the royal palace said. “The government should continue efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic immediately for the benefit and safety …