KUCHING, Feb 29 — The ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) today congratulated Pagoh MP Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s appointment as the eighth prime minister of Malaysia by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"However, it must be clarified GPS is not a member of the Perikatan Nasional, but only as a political entity in Sarawak that gives support to Muhyiddin in the interest of the nation,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The CMO said the support given to Muhyiddin is to save Malaysia from political instability without sacrificing the interest of Sarawak.

"At this juncture, GPS will only be a political party that is friendly to the Perikatan Nasional,” the CMO clarified.

Muhyiddin, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president, is scheduled to be sworn in as the prime minister tomorrow at Istana Negara before the King.

According to a statement issued by the palace, he has secured more support from Members of Parliament to be appointed the prime minister.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg has said GPS would support any national coalition to form the new federal government in the interest of the country and state.

"If there is any decision to be made, our leaders in GPS will decide the national interest as number one, and secondly, the rights of Sarawak,” he said at the launch of GPS Belaga zone.

He said GPS gave its support as it wanted to save Malaysia, which he said was on shaky ground due to political turmoil.

"The economic situation is shaky, the top national leadership is shaky. But luckily, we in Sarawak are not shaky. GPS is not shaky.

"But if we are forced to make a decision, we will give priority to saving Malaysia. We want to save Malaysia first. Malaysia is in a political crisis,” he said.