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Najib sworn in as Malaysian PM Najib sworn in as Malaysian PM
(40 minutes later)
The new Malaysian prime minister, Najib Razak, has been sworn in. The new Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak, has been sworn in.
He takes over as the head of government at a time when the country and its governing Umno party are facing big challenges. He takes over as the head of government at a time when the country and its main governing party, Umno, are facing big challenges.
The Malaysian economy is suffering, and last year the ruling party - which Mr Najib now leads - lost its crucial two-thirds majority in parliament.The Malaysian economy is suffering, and last year the ruling party - which Mr Najib now leads - lost its crucial two-thirds majority in parliament.
That defeat led to the decision of the the previous Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi, to resign. That defeat led to the decision of the previous Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi, to resign.
Mr Najib is also facing allegations of corruption and of links to the murder of a Mongolian woman, which he has strenuously denied. Mr Najib is also facing claims of corruption and an allegation linking him in some way with the murder of a Mongolian woman - all of which he has strenuously denied.
Challenges
"I, Najib Razak, who has been chosen to hold the post of prime minister, swear that I will carry out the responsibilities which I have been entrusted with to the best of my ability" the 55-year-old said at a ceremony overseen by the king."I, Najib Razak, who has been chosen to hold the post of prime minister, swear that I will carry out the responsibilities which I have been entrusted with to the best of my ability" the 55-year-old said at a ceremony overseen by the king.
"I will be true to Malaysia and will defend and uphold the constitution," he said."I will be true to Malaysia and will defend and uphold the constitution," he said.
Challenges
The ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) is bitterly divided and has been told by Mr Badawi that it must reform or lose power.The ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) is bitterly divided and has been told by Mr Badawi that it must reform or lose power.
Mr Najib's challenge will be to galvanise the party and reignite its links to broader Malaysian society.Mr Najib's challenge will be to galvanise the party and reignite its links to broader Malaysian society.
Recent Malaysian reports suggest he has already taken steps in this direction by visiting Malaysian Chinese newspapers and speaking of the need to unite Malaysia's many races and groups.Recent Malaysian reports suggest he has already taken steps in this direction by visiting Malaysian Chinese newspapers and speaking of the need to unite Malaysia's many races and groups.
Malaysia also faces intense economic problems as its exports decline amid the world financial meltdown.Malaysia also faces intense economic problems as its exports decline amid the world financial meltdown.
Last month he unveiled a stimulus package worth $16.2bn (£11bn) but analysts say that before he can begin to tackle these issues, he must first clear the air over opposition allegations linking him to the murder in 2006 of Altantuya Shaariibuu - a Mongolian woman whose body was blown up with military-grade explosives. Last month he unveiled a stimulus package worth $16.2bn (£11bn).
Two members of his elite police guard are on trial for the murder.
The opposition also accuses him of corruption in a deal to buy French submarines when he was defence minister. Mr Najib has dismissed the claims as "malicious lies".
Mr Najib's first test of his own popularity will be during three special elections - one for Parliament and two for state assemblies - on 7 April.Mr Najib's first test of his own popularity will be during three special elections - one for Parliament and two for state assemblies - on 7 April.
Mr Najib comes from a respected political dynasty and is the son and nephew of two former prime ministers.Mr Najib comes from a respected political dynasty and is the son and nephew of two former prime ministers.