Malaysia election 2018 SHOCK: Mahathir Mohamad will NOT be sworn in as leader today
MAHATHIR Mohamad will not be sworn in as Prime Minister of Malaysia today following his shock election victory, according to a palace spokesman.
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The reason given for the delay was not given.
Mr Mahathir stunned the nation after winning a simple majority needed to form a new government.
The 92-year-old had previously said he would be sworn in on Thursday.
Malaysia went to the polls yesterday and saw Najib Razak’s long-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) party lose vital seats in key states that have traditionally been strongholds.
Mr Mahathir locked down a majority of 112 seats that were needed to secure a stunning victory.
Mr Najib had suffered from a loss of support after a series of scandals unfolded in recent years.
The nation’s longest-serving prime minister came out of retirement after being angered by the scandals and joined the opposition in a bid to bring change.
The 92-year-old had previously served as the Prime Minister of the nation for 22 years until 2003.
After causing a dramatic upset, a member of Mr Mahathir’s party announced the victory.
They said: "We believe that from our official counting that they're left far behind.
"The likelihood is that they will not be forming the government."
After declaring victory, the 92-year-old exclaimed: "We are not seeking revenge, we want to restore the rule of law.”
Mr Mahathir was born in the city of Alor Setar in 1956.
More to follow…