Mahathir sworn in as Malaysia prime minister

A supporter waves a flag of the People’s Justice Party outside the palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, May 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Mahathir Mohamad has been sworn in as Malaysia’s 7th prime minister in a ceremony before the Southeast Asian country’s king after leading opposition parties to a historic election victory.

The ceremony at the official state palace in Kuala Lumpur ended a day of uncertainty during which rumors swirled that the National Front, Malaysia’s ruling party for 60 years, would try to stay in power.

People outside the palace cheered and waved opposition flags.

Mahathir was Malaysia’s prime minister for 22 years until 2003. He returned to politics to oust his former protege Najib Razak, who was tarnished by allegations of massive theft from a state investment fund.

Meanwhile, the controller of Malaysia’s royal household says the king has invited Mahathir Mohamad to form the next government after receiving official election results and will swear him in as prime minister.

The statement said Malaysia’s monarch, Sultan Muhammad, “strongly refutes” any allegation that he delayed the appointment of Mahathir.