ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI HANDS RESIGNATION TO YANG DIPERTUAN AGONG TODAY

Outgoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi formally submitted his resignation as announced today at 10am to the Yang DiPertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin during a scheduled hour-long audience.

It was further reported that the it is now up to the Yang DiPertuan Agong to accept the resignation and appoint his successor, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, a transition agreed upon by Datuk Seri Abdullah and Datuk Seri Najib of the Barisan Nasional coalition.

It was further understood that Datuk Seri Abdullah would be conferred a 'Tun' title after the new prime minister is sweared in, in recognition for his service to the nation.

It was seen that Datuk Seri Najib had an audience with the Yang DiPertuan Agong after PM Datuk Seri Abdullah and while leaving the palace at 12.15pm, Datuk Seri Najib was smiling and waving at the waiting crowd, but mentioned nothing.

It was learned that SMSes have been distributed to Cabinet Members and Dignatories that a swearing-in ceremony has been arranged for 10am tomorrow, but so far no official word have been issued by the Palace.

If the swearing-in ceremony takes place, Datuk Seri Najib would be sworn in as the 6th Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Datuk Seri Najib seems to be linked to the controversial murder of Mongolian national, Altantuya Shaariibuu which has recently hit foreign press which indirectly discredits his credibility and reputation. The Opposition is requesting for a Royal Commission of Inquiry be established to investigate and clear Datuk Seri Najib's name before he is appointed Malaysian Prime Minister.

news n picture courtesy of Malaysiakini