[UPDATED] Anwar takes oath of office, officially PM10

KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is now officially Malaysia’s 10th prime minister, after taking his oath of office at Istana Negara this evening.

The 75-year-old PKR president, who was wearing a black baju Melayu, gold-embroidered black samping, and a black songkok, was sworn in before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Anwar was accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and close family members as he took his oath, in the presence of several VIPs.

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also graced the swearing-in ceremony, held at Dewan Singgahsana Kecil (Minor Throne Hall).

Among the political leaders present included Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, whose Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is expected to be part of the unity government led by PH.

Also in attendance were BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

Also joining the ceremony were Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.

Several top government officials were also spotted at the ceremony, such as Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

After being sworn in, Anwar signed the instruments of appointment to mark the official start of his duty as prime minister, before Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Luqman Abdullah led a recital of a doa.

The brief ceremony, which started at 5.02pm, lasted for 16 minutes before His and Her Majesties left the hall. 

Earlier, Anwar, who is Tambun MP, entered the palace just past 4.30pm with a heavily escorted convoy. 

Today’s ceremony ends days of political uncertainty, after the 15th general election failed to produce a coalition with a simple majority to form the government. 

Anwar’s appointment comes following a special meeting of the Conference of Rulers earlier today, which agreed to name him prime minister. 

Istana Negara had, following the meeting, issued a statement confirming the PH chairman’s appointment. 

Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara, Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, said the appointment was done in accordance with Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the federal constitution. 

With the appointment, the Agong has reminded all parties and MPs to close ranks for the sake of the nation, stressing that Malaysians now need a stable government to help stimulate the economy and develop the country. 

Anwar succeeds Bera MP and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, whose BN coalition lost heavily in the recent election. Ismail Sabri is now officially the prime minister with the shortest stint in the post. – The Vibes, November 24, 2022