"No leader can succeed without the support of the people, friends, party members and colleagues," said Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on his first visit to his home-state Penang as prime minister.

"My success began about 25 years ago when I first became a Barisan Nasional candidate."

Recounting his political past, Abdullah, 63, thanked all those present to meet and greet him today and attributed his success to his Kepala Batas constituents, friends and peers.

He won the parliamentary seat in 1978, became a cabinet minister and was later appointed as deputy prime minister.

'Time to lead'

Prior to leaving for his constituency at about 4pm, he told the crowd that he was aware of their support for him not because of who he was but due to the fact that he was a leader of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno.

"It is time for me to lead BN and Umno, to serve the people. We are strong because we work together regardless of race and religion, and we are happy to share power in the government."

About 10,000 people braved the sweltering heat at the Penang International Airport earlier to welcome Abdullah as the country's fifth PM since independence 46 years ago.

Politicians and members of local non-government organisations carried banners and waved party flags as Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon greeted Abdullah and his wife Endon Mahmood at 3.15pm.

Koh was accompanied by his wife, Chui Kah Peng, together with government officials from all over the country. Also present was Information Minister and Umno secretary-general Khalil Yaakob.

Abdullah was sworn-in yesterday, ushering in a new political era in a country that has been dominated for 22 years by his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Biggest gathering

Pak Lah, as he is affectionately known, expressed surprised at the big turn out, saying "I have never seen such a big gathering at this airport before".

"I am happy as this is the first time I am returning to Penang as prime minister," he said in his speech.

"(But) I had no plans to give a speech today. I wanted to come home to visit my mother, to visit my father's grave and to meet up with relatives and friends," he said.

"But Koh heard about my coming... you know he has big ears, and BN and Umno members also heard about it. So they have all come to welcome me," he added.

Meanwhile, Koh paid tribute to the new PM by saying that Malaysians must feel fortunate that the transition of power had been smooth.

"After going through the many challenges of his struggles, the ups and downs, he continued to fight for the people," Koh said, referring to Abdullah.

"He is patient, committed, friendly, affectionate and a principled person. He is willing to face any challenge and will continue our tradition of excellence.

"He has been tested and fully trusted," added Koh.