Malaysia's prime minister sworn in for second term
Monday, 10 Mar 2008 12:18
Prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's residence
Malaysia's prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has been sworn in for a second term.
The ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today comes just two days after Mr Abdullah's collation government suffered its worst election result in 50 years.
As a result, the prime minister had been facing wide-spread calls to resign.
In Saturday's election the National Front won over half of the seats in the country's parliament, but lost its two-thirds majority, the worst election result by the ruling party since 1957.
Today, Malaysian shares were suspended after falling more than ten per cent on the back of the shock election result.
The drop in support for the government is being blamed on growing ethnic tensions and rising food prices. Many Indian and Chinese minorities failed to vote in protest at the country's situation.
Mr Abdullah however said he remained committed to running the country.
"Why should I step down?" he told supporters last night.
"Our party has won, I do not fear anyone expect Allah. I will stay on, I will not give up.
"We have to continue our struggle, our agenda is far from over. We want our country to be progressive and successful and for you, the people, to be happy."
Mr Abdullah's coalition now controls 139 of the 222 seats in Malaysia's parliament.