KUALA LUMPUR (May 10): The Sultan of Johor has urged all quarters to accept the voice of the people in yesterday's general election, adding that time should not be wasted in appointing a new prime minister and government.

"To all my subjects, bangsa Johor, you must accept the voice of the people," he said in a two-minute video clip posted on his Facebook page, noting that the people wanted a new government.

"I hope Istana Negara will appoint the new prime minister because this is in the interests of the rakyat, not the interests of myself or any other individual," said Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

"The government, and the prime minister, must be appointed now, without any more time wasted," he said.

"I congratulate all parties that have achieved their aim," said Sultan Ibrahim, adding that he looked forward to working with the new government "for the best interests of my subjects".

In yesterday's polls, dubbed as "the mother of all elections", Pakatan Harapan captured 18 parliamentary seats in Johor.

In contrast, Barisan Nasional only managed to retain eight seats in what was traditionally regarded as a BN stronghold state.

Pakatan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to be sworn in as the seventh prime minister by 5pm, succeeding Datuk Seri Najib Razak.