New Malaysian PM Anwar vows to heal divided nation, economy

By EILEEN NG
Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Long-time reformist leader Anwar Ibrahim has been sworn in as Malaysia’s prime minister. It’s a victory for the political reformers who have been locked in a battle for days with Malay nationalists after a divisive general election produced a hung Parliament. Malaysia’s king named 75-year-old Anwar as the nation’s 10th leader, saying he was satisfied that Anwar is the candidate who is likely to have majority support. Anwar vowed at his first news conference to heal a racially divided nation, fight corruption and revive an economy struggling with rising costs of living. He said his Alliance of Hope will form a unity government with two smaller blocs. Anwar said his government will call for a vote of confidence in him when Parliament reconvenes Dec. 19.