Politics
22:01, 10-May-2018
Mahathir Mohamad sworn in as Malaysia's new prime minister
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Pakatan Harapan leader Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in as Malaysia's new prime minister on Thursday.
Mahathir’s coalition won the simple majority in Wednesday’s polls, defeating the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition under Najib Razak.
The 92-year-old, who served as the country's prime minister between 1981 and 2003, became the world's oldest elected leader after a shock victory in Malaysia's fiercely-contested election.
In a ceremony at the national palace steeped in centuries-old Muslim Malay tradition, Mahathir was officially sworn in as prime minister by King Sultan Muhammad V. Mahathir, dressed in traditional Malay dress, took the oath of office in an elaborately decorated room, with political allies and senior government officials in attendance.
Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister and opposition candidate Mahathir Mohamad celebrate in Kuala Lumpur, early May 10, 2018. /VCG Photo
Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister and opposition candidate Mahathir Mohamad celebrate in Kuala Lumpur, early May 10, 2018. /VCG Photo
"I, Mahathir Mohamad, after being elected as prime minister, swear to carry out my task with all my ability and that I will be loyal to Malaysia and preserve and defend the constitution," he said.
As he was sworn in, fireworks lit up the night sky across Kuala Lumpur as people celebrated. Earlier, Mahathir and his wife Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali were driven into the palace past hundreds of well-wishers waving flags and chanting the national anthem.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mahathir's comeback has been his reconciliation with jailed opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim, his former nemesis.
Their relationship has loomed large over the Malaysian political landscape for decades. Anwar was Mahathir's heir-apparent until the premier sacked him in 1998 over political differences, and he was subsequently jailed on charges of sodomy and abuse of power.
Anwar has jailed again during Najib's rule but is due out in June – and Mahathir has pledged to help him get a royal pardon, allowing him to run for political office again and potentially become prime minister.
(With input from AFP)
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