Press "Enter" to skip to content

Former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad scores historic victory in general elections

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has scored a historic victory in the country’s general elections.

The election commission said Mahathir’s opposition alliance has won 115 seats, over the threshold of 112 seats needed to form a government.

Mahathir defeated the governing Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, which has been in power for more than 60 years. BN coalition won 79 seats with just a few left to count.

The victory capped a dramatic political comeback for Mahathir, who previously ruled the country for 22 years, and came out of retirement to take on Prime Minister Najib Razak after the leader became embroiled in a massive corruption scandal.

When he takes power, 92-year old Mahathir will be the oldest prime minister in the world. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held today.

Source: AIR