Najib becomes Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister

Kuala Lumpur, Apr 3 (ANI): Najib Tun Razak has been sworn in as Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister, taking over the reigns from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who stepped down after leading the country for over five years.

Najib (55) took his oath of office on Friday. Dressed in a black baju Melayu complete with sampin, Najib arrived at the palace, accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor.

A total of 319 guests, including former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, attended the historic event, the Star reported.

The ceremony, steeped in tradition, began when Tuanku Mizan and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Zahirah entered the throne room and the Malaysian Armed Forces band played the national anthem.

After taking his oaths of office, loyalty and confidentiality, Najib signed the four instruments of appointment, followed by the reading of the doa selamat.

The instruments of appointment were then signed by Court of Appeal President Alauddin Mohd Sheriff as witness and handed over to Chief Secretary to the Government, Mohd Sidek Hassan.

At the same ceremony, Abdullah was conferred the nation's highest award, the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN), while Jeanne received the Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM) by Tuanku Mizan. Both awards carry the title Tun.

Najib was born in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, on July 23, 1953, and is the eldest son of the late Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia's second Prime Minister, and Rahah Mohd Noah.

His appointment is most significant in the country's history as this is for the first time that a Prime Minister's son is holding the post. (ANI)