Archive - 1 November 2003

The crowd, mostly Malay Muslims, who turn out to welcome new Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Penang, his home state, have to brave the sweltering heat despite Ramadhan to honour their village hero.

Broga residents, hoping for an official response after almost a year of losing sleep over the proposed incinerator project, continue their 'letters attack' on the government but still get the same results - total silence.

As the opposition welcomes Pak Lah as the new premier, they also have a wish list for him. DAP deputy chairperson Karpal Singh sets the tone.

A great deal of hero worship is only to be expected from Malaysians because of Dr M's star status, says SIM KWANG YANG. But it's another thing if the myth of leadership cult has conditioned many Malaysians to think of him as a larger-than-life phenomenon.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was warmly welcomed by the mainstream media on his first day in office today, but warned of major challenges ahead.

Getting into the top office at an relatively old age, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is confronted with severe challenges from four major fronts, especially the many intra-party as well as inter-party factionalism within his own ruling coalition.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Friday congratulates new Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on his swearing-in following the retirement of premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed after 22 years.

Hometown supporters of newly installed Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi from Penang are preparing a grand welcome today for their "village hero" as he begins his first day in power.