Anwar Ibrahim sworn in as Malaysia’s Prime Minister

Friday, 25 November 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Malaysia’s newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim waves from his car as he arrives to take part in the swearing - AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, AFP: Malaysia’s perennial Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as Prime Minister before the King in Kuala Lumpur Thursday, 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 while dressed in traditional Malaysian clothing.

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

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 Thursday before the palace announced Anwar as the new premier.