Anwar sworn in as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister

KUALA LUMPUR - Anwar Ibrahim is sworn in as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister at Istana Negara at 5.06pm today.

Anwar, 75, donned a black Baju Melayu and gold-embroidered samping and was accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah.

The Tambun MP took his oath of office, loyalty and secrecy before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara here.

His Majesty was also accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

His Majesty had consented to Anwar’s appointment in accordance with Article 40(2)(a) and Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

The swearing-in ceremony was held after His Majesty deliberated the views of fellow Malay Rulers who convened a special meeting at Istana Negara earlier today to make the best decision for the interests and well-being of the country and the people, five days after the official results of the 15th General Election (GE15) were announced.

After he took his oath, Anwar signed the instruments of appointment which were then attested by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.

The ceremony was witnessed by Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun, Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, Senate president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.

Among the political party leaders present were PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, UPKO president Wifred Madius Tangau, Barisan Nasional chairman cum UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Malaysia has entered a stalemate after none of the parties which stood in GE15 last Saturday won enough parliamentary seats to form a government.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) has won the most seats at 82, followed by Perikatan Nasional (PN): 73; Barisan Nasional (BN): 30; Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS): 22; Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS): 7 and others: 6.

The impasse occurred as parties needed at least secure 112 parliamentary seats to form government as Malaysia has a total of 222 parliamentary seats.