Malaysia’s opposition alliance, headed by 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad, on Thursday won a historic election that ended the 61-year rule of the Barisan Nasional (or National Front) coalition.
The opposition alliance won 115 seats in the elections that were held on Wednesday. A party or a coalition in Malaysia needs 112 seats to form the government.
Mahathir, who took on Prime Minister Najib Razak, is all set to become the world’s oldest prime minister. “We are not seeking revenge, we want to restore the rule of law,” Mohamad told reporters. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held on Thursday, according to BBC.
Najib Razak is embroiled in a multi-billion dollar corruption scandal. He resisted demands to step down in 2015 despite reports of financial mismanagement at the government-owned company 1Malaysia Development Berhad, including an allegation that he received $681 million (Rs 4,425 crore) in his personal bank account. Citizens were also unhappy with rising costs.
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