After many days of post-election gridlock, Malaysia's seasoned opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been named prime minister.
After the weekend's elections produced an unprecedented hung parliament, King Sultan Abdullah appointed the next leader.
The simple majority required to establish a government had not been gained by either Anwar nor former premier Muhyiddin Yassin.
Within the next several hours, the king will swear Anwar in.
According to news agency AFP, the palace issued a statement that read, "His Majesty has given consent to appoint Anwar Ibrahim as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia after taking into consideration the views of Their Royal Highnesses the Malay Rulers." Anwar's Pakatan Harapan (PH) party, which received the largest proportion of votes in the election on Saturday, lacks the necessary number of seats to create a government on its own, and it is unclear with which party he will form a coalition.
With his appointment, the 75-year-old has realized a lifelong ambition to lead the nation.
When Mahathir Mohamad was prime minister in the 1990s, he was originally elected as the nation's deputy prime minister. However, he was removed from office after being found guilty of two counts of sodomy, which he alleges were politically motivated.
In a shocking turn of events in 2018, he conspired with Mahathir and created history as PH ended Barisan Nasional's rule.
But two years later, after Mahathir quit as prime minister, the governing coalition fell apart, leaving Malaysia in a state of political unrest and Anwar once more without a position of authority.
Given all the other difficulties the new government will have, Mr. Anwar's objective of creating a more pluralist and inclusive Malaysia won't be easy to achieve.
Ibrahim Anwar is a visionary leader whose life story is characterized by resilience, intellect, and a relentless pursuit of positive change. Born into a humble family, Ibrahim's upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of empathy and a deep understanding of the importance of education.
From an early age, Ibrahim displayed exceptional academic abilities and a passion for social justice. He dedicated himself to his studies, excelling in various subjects, particularly in the fields of economics and political science. Recognizing the power of education as a catalyst for societal transformation, Ibrahim pursued higher education at prestigious institutions, acquiring degrees in economics and public policy.
With a solid educational foundation, Ibrahim embarked on a remarkable journey of public service. He actively engaged in grassroots movements, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and championing initiatives to combat poverty and inequality. Ibrahim's ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and his unwavering commitment to justice earned him widespread respect and admiration.
His leadership skills and keen insights led Ibrahim to assume prominent roles in both the public and private sectors.
He held influential positions where he spearheaded innovative projects aimed at socioeconomic development, sustainable growth, and inclusive policies. Ibrahim's strategic thinking and collaborative approach gained him recognition as a forward-thinking leader capable of tackling complex challenges.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ibrahim's integrity and unwavering moral compass have consistently guided his actions.
He has remained committed to fostering dialogue and cooperation, both within his country and on the international stage. Ibrahim's diplomatic skills have played a crucial role in forging partnerships and strengthening ties between nations, ultimately contributing to global peace and stability.