Anwar Ibrahim sworn in as Malaysia’s prime minister

CELEBRATORY MOOD IN THE STREETS AS CEREMONY AT PALACE UNFOLDS

Malaysia’s perennial opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as prime minister before the king in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, ending a five-day political impasse after inconclusive polls.

The ceremony at the palace closes the chapter on one of the most dramatic elections in Malaysia’s history, after no party managed to secure a majority to form a parliament for the first time since independence in 1957.

Anwar’s ascension to the premiership caps a turbulent political life, which has not only propelled him into the corridors of power but also landed him inside a jail cell.

“I, Anwar Ibrahim, after being appointed to hold the position of prime minister, solemnly swear that I will honestly fulfil that duty with all my efforts and that I will devote my true loyalty to Malaysia,” the 75-year-old said.

Cheerful mood

In the capital, Kuala Lumpur, Anwar’s supporters were in a celebratory mood.

“I got goosebumps, seriously,” said 36-year-old Norhafitzah Ashruff Hassan. “He fought hard to be given the chance to be PM. I hope he performs well and proves his worth.”

Muhammad Taufiq Zamri, a 37-year-old product manager, said: “I cannot express in words the ecstatic feeling I have.”

Campaigning on an anti-graft message, Anwar’s multi-ethnic Pakatan Harapan coalition won the most seats in the weekend’s election with 82.

But it still fell short of the 112 required for a majority.

In an attempt to break the

deadlock, the king had summoned Anwar and former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, whose Perikatan Nasional bloc came in second place with 73 seats. But no deal could be struck.

The king held a special meeting with other royals earlier in the day before the palace announced Anwar would be the new premier.

Next hurdle to cross

James Chin, a professor of Asian studies at the University of Tasmania, told AFP the announcement “will be welcomed internationally since Anwar is known as a Muslim democrat worldwide”.

“His biggest challenge will be to lead Malaysia out of the economic malaise following the pandemic.”

AP King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, right, and Anwar Ibrahim take part in the swearing-in ceremony at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday.