Mahathir Set to Become Malaysia Prime Minister After Shock Win

  • 92-year-old Mahathir sets 5 p.m. deadline to be named PM
  • Najib’s ruling coalition loses for first time in 61 years

Mahathir Ousts Najib in Malaysian Election

Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Mahathir Mohamad appeared set to become Malaysia’s prime minister once again after dealing Najib Razak’s ruling coalition a stunning defeat, cementing the country’s first transfer of power in six decades.

Mahathir, Malaysia’s longest-serving premier, saw his four-party opposition bloc win a parliamentary majority in an election on Wednesday that rattled investors, many of whom bet on a Najib victory. The 92-year-old politician has pledged to step aside after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is released from prison in June.