In a statement, chief secretary to the government Mohd Zuki Ali said Muhyiddin in his new role now acts as the caretaker government.

“The Federal Constitution does not specifically provide for the functions and roles of a caretaker government.

However, “based on the conventions in the system of parliamentary democracy in Commonwealth countries, the caretaker government only functions to manage the country until a new government is formed.”

“The caretaker government may not make any binding decisions or policies or take any action that may have financial implications that would burden the next government, unless such action is to be implemented in the public interest.”

Here’s what Muhyiddin can do:

• Carry out routine official duties, including exercising the powers conferred upon him by law to ensure the government machinery continues to function.
• Hold formal meetings on administrative matters.
• Continue to implement existing policies for which financial allocations were already made prior to his resignation, like the national Covid-19 immunisation programme or the national recovery plan.
• Enter into agreements and contracts for policies that were already approved by the government or Parliament, such as those relating to the 2021 national budget.
• Host or attend official functions that have been scheduled for government programmes and plans.

Muhyiddin was installed in his new role after he stepped down from his post, which also saw the Cabinet resign.

His successor has yet to be determined, and the appointment is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who has the power under the Constitution to select the person he believes is likely to command majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.