This word cloud shows how much Malaysians want Anwar to be the next PM

The king is meeting each parliamentarian individually to assess his opinion, while Dr Mahathir, as the interim prime minister, engages political party leaders from all sides.

Speculation and conspiracy theories abound as Malaysians digest the narratives and variables expounded by pundits and armchair analysts on television, social media and news portals. From projections of a unity or minority government to snap polls — such troubling times but all in an environment of peace. Even the shock announcement of Dr Mahathir’s resignation on Monday and his subsequent reappointment appeared not to have fazed Malaysians’ jocund nature.