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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, October 31, 2003

Abdullah sworn in as Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister

Former Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was sworn in Friday as the fifth Malaysian Prime Minister, taking over from Mahathir Mohamad who has led the nation for 22 years.


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Former Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was sworn in Friday as the fifth Malaysian Prime Minister, taking over from Mahathir Mohamad who has led the nation for 22 years.

Abdullah, 64, took his oath of office before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme Head of State) Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail at the ceremony in Istana Negara (the State Palace).

The ceremony began with Abdullah taking his oath of office and oath of secrecy.

He then signed the instrument of office before Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, which was witnessed by Chief Secretary to the Government Samsudin Osman.

A brief hand-over ceremony will be held later in Putrajaya, theFederal Administrative Center.

The new Prime Minister, born in Kepala Batas on Nov. 26 1939, is the eldest child of Ahmad Badawi, who was a religious teacher and politician, and Kailan Hassan.

He joined the government service in 1964 as assistant secretary in the Public Service Department.

Abdullah served as Foreign Minister (1991-1999), Defense Minister (1986-1987) and Education Minister (1984).

When the economic crisis hit Malaysia in 1997, then Deputy Prime Minister Anwar's supporters made a concerted attempt to dislodge Mahathir but failed. However, Abdullah firmly backed the Prime Minister.

On Sept. 2, 1998, Anwar was sacked as deputy prime minister. Four months later, on Jan. 8, 1999, Abdullah was appointed the new Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister.


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