Anwar Ibrahim, a stalwart of Malaysia’s opposition, was appointed prime minister on Thursday, breaking the political deadlock caused by unclear election results.
The 75-year-old would take office as the nation’s fourth president in a long time at 5 o’clock (0900 GMT) today.
Anwar’s rise to power will mark the conclusion of a challenging political career that saw him accused of sodomy and corruption as well as catapulted into the halls of power.
“After taking into consideration the views of Their Royal Highnesses the Malay Rulers, His Majesty has given consent to appoint Anwar Ibrahim as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia,” read a statement from the palace of the king, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah.
In the capital Kuala Lumpur, Anwar supporters were in celebratory mood.
Chicago University Reacts Over Claim Tinubu Graduated From Their School
“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.”
“I cannot express in words the ecstatic feeling I have,” said Muhammad Taufiq Zamri, a 37-year-old product manager. “A sense of optimism now flows and I believe Anwar will lead the country forward.”
Anwar’s multi-ethnic Pakatan Harapan coalition won the most seats in the weekend’s election, on an anti-graft message.
But its total of 82 seats was short of the 112 required for a majority.
The king had summoned Anwar and former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin – whose Perikatan Nasional bloc got 73 seats – in an attempt to break the deadlock.
AFP
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.