KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 — Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today confirmed that Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian has handed in his resignation letter to the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.

He said for the time being the state will be without an MB, until Osman’s successor can be named.

"We have shortlisted three or four names to take over,” Dr Mahathir said during a press conference at the Dewan Rakyat.

Dr Mahathir said whoever takes over from Osman must be from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia as per the Pakatan Harapan Agreement.

"However, the palace has not yet been notified as I understand the Sultan is currently abroad,” Dr Mahathir said, adding that another letter by Osman would be presented to Sultan Ibrahim upon his return.

When asked if Osman provided any reason over his decision to step down, Dr Mahathir said yes but declined to elaborate on that point other than saying it was accepted.

Earlier today, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim tweeted that Osman would be replaced following orders from Sultan Ibrahim, who had made the decree several months ago for a successor to be found.

He said it is the Sultan’s absolute prerogative to appoint Johor’s MB, and hoped Osman’s successor would not be a sycophant of the federal government but instead prioritised the welfare of Johor and its residents.