Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reacts during a press conference after the 14th general election in Petaling Jaya yesterday. – Reuters photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad created history yesterday when he took the oath of office as the prime minister of Malaysia for the second time,and at the age of 92.
The Pakatan Harapan chairman, attired in a black and gold embroidered ‘baju Melayu’, was sworn in as the seventh prime minister before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, at Istana Negara Here.
The swearing-in took place in the wake of Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th general election on Wednesday.
Dr Mahathir first became the prime minister of Malaysia in 1981 at the age of 56.
He was the country’s fourth prime minister then.
He stepped down from the post in 2003 after being in office for 22 years.
Fifteen years later, he has become the oldest elected prime minister in the world.
The swearing-in, at about 10 pm, was witnessed by Chief Justice Tun Raus Sharif and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
Dr Mahathir’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, was seated beside him at the ceremony.
PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu were the other key leaders of Pakatan Harapan who were also present.
The King shook hands with Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah after he entered the ‘Singgahsana Kecil’ (Minor Throne Room) and before taking his seat.
Dr Mahathir took his oath of office and the oath of allegiance and then signed the documents.
Outside the palace, it looked like a festival was taking place, with people from all communities and age groups having gathered since yesterday evening along the roads leading to the palace to celebrate the appointment of Dr Mahathir who they believe can bring new hope to the people and country.
The people clapped and cheered as soon as the event, which was telecast live, concluded.
They seemed to be ecstatic in welcoming the formation of a new federal government, and waved the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ (national flag) and PKR flags.
They also sang the national anthem and other patriotic songs and shouted ‘Hidup Tun’ (Long Live Tun, in reference to Dr Mahathir), ‘Hidup Rakyat’ (Long Live the People) and ‘Reformasi’ (Reformation).
The display of emotion attracted the attention of passing foreign tourists. — Bernama