Meanwhile, foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein has been appointed a senior minister.

Hishammuddin will take over the security portfolio previously held by Ismail.

The PMO said Ismail’s appointment would help Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in managing the governing of the country and addressing the people’s needs amid the health and economic crises.

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has been informed of the two appointments which are effective immediately,” it said in a statement today.

“It is hoped that their appointments can increase the Perikatan Nasional-led government’s ability in facing the pandemic, strengthen unity among component parties and reinforce the government.”

Ismail is also Umno vice-president, while Hishammuddin is Barisan Nasional’s treasurer-general.

Ismail’s appointment as deputy prime minister comes after high-profile meetings among Umno leaders the past few days, with speculation that the party was going to quit the government sooner than August.

Hishammuddin thanked Muhyiddin for entrusting him with the position, saying he was aware that he was responsible for the people’s hopes as the nation battled the pandemic.

“I also believe that we can only come out of this crisis together, with stability, unity and cooperation from all parties.

“Whatever position and post I’m given, my stand is the same – I just want to work for the people and the country with all my heart,” he said in a Facebook post.

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