Malaysian lawmakers take oath, including indicted ex-leader
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian lawmakers took their oath in Parliament on Monday, including former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has been charged in a massive corruption scandal that led to his coalition’s electoral defeat.
The swearing-in ceremony of 221 lawmakers opened the first Parliament session after Najib’s long-ruling coalition was ousted in May 9 elections, ushering in Malaysia’s first change of power since independence from Britain in 1957.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, the world’s oldest leader at 93, made his return to Parliament for the first time in 15 years after ending his retirement to challenge Najib over the corruption scandal.
Najib won his parliamentary seat despite his coalition’s defeat. A lawmaker is only disqualified if convicted and sentenced to more than a year in jail or fined over 2,000 ringgit ($494).