Malaysia king urges halt to bickering as he picks new PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s king is calling for an end to political bickering as he begins the process of selecting a new prime minister following the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin. The monarch has ruled out a new election due to the raging pandemic. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who was among eight party chiefs summoned to the palace, says the king asked them to end their bickering and cooperate in tackling the pandemic and reviving the economy. The king also asked all lawmakers to individually submit the name of a preferred candidate for the top job. His task in choosing a leader will be difficult because no coalition holds a majority in Parliament. Muhyiddin is the caretaker prime minister until a successor is found.