Mahathir Mohamad sworn in as new PM of Malaysia

92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad has become the oldest elected leader in the world after winning the country's recent general elections. A Bangla-speaking foreign resident in Malaysia, S M Mahtab spoke with SBS Bangla about Mahathir’s new start.

A handout photo made available by the Malaysian Information Ministry shows the new Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (C) reading his oath declaration. Source: MALAYSIAN INFORMATION MINISTRY

After a shock victory in Malaysia's election, Mahathir Mohamad has become the world's oldest elected leader.

During his previous 22 years in power until 2003 he was dubbed the “Father of Modern Malaysia”.

The former PM, 92, came out of retirement and switched to the opposition to challenge his former protege Najib Razak, who has been beset by corruption allegations.

Supporters of former Malaysian strongman Mahathir Mohammad wait as rain pours during the election campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Source: AAP

His historic win ousted the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, which had been in power since independence in 1957.

Dr Mahathir says, the election is his attempt at redemption.

About the former PM of Malaysia, Mr Najib Razak, Dr Mahathir says in Bahasa Malaysian language,

“I would like to apologise to everybody. I was the one who supported Najib. It’s the biggest mistake of my life, supporting Najib. Ladies and gentlemen, I want to redeem my mistakes. That’s why I’m working hard to bring down Najib.”

Listen to S M Mahtab’s full interview (in Bangla) with SBS Bangla in the audio player above.