Mahathir sworn in as Malaysian Prime Minister

Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], May 11 (ANI): Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in as the seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia after a five-hour long wait at the National Palace on Thursday night.

The ceremony was witnessed by Malaysia's head of state, Sultan Muhammad V.

Mahathir-led Pakatan Harapan defeated the Barisan Nasional coalition that has ruled the nation for 61 years since independence from Britain.

Mahathir won a majority in parliament as it emerged victorious in 122 out of 222 seats, which was enough for him to form the next government, South China Morning Post reported.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Mahathir, wearing traditional Malay attire, pledged to serve the country and the people well. He also promised to bring the country to developed status by the year 2020.

He was accompanied by his wife Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali and other leaders in the opposition alliance.

Mahathir vowed to tap Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the deputy prime minister, as per Xinhua.

In order to set up a new cabinet, he said he would consult with leaders of other component parties in the alliance on Friday. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI