Promise to fight, reform

(Reuters) – MALAYSIA'S incoming prime minister promised on Saturday to reinvigorate the country's ailing ruling coalition and take the fight to the opposition as he readied to take power.

Mr Najib Razak, 55, defended himself vigorously against what he said were 'malicious' opposition lies that he was involved in the murder of a Mongolian model, an issue that has dogged his ascent to power in this South-east Asian country of 27 million people.

He faces an immense challenge in taking the helm of a government that is still reeling from charges of corruption and huge losses in last year's elections, and as Malaysia faces its worst recession since the Asian financial crisis a decade ago.

'We were nearly rejected by the people. Recall that we were nearly ousted … that the power of the people determines our rise and fall,' Mr Najib told the annual meeting of the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), the country's largest party.

Earlier, outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he would tender his resignation to the country's king on April 2, opening the way for Mr Najib, who became Umno president this week, to take office.

Umno is the lead party in the National Front coalition that has ruled Malaysia for 51 years since independence from Britain. It had its worst-ever showing in national and state elections last year, losing over a third of its seats in parliament.

Mr Najib's chances of increasing party unity were boosted by the appearance of former premier Mahathir Mohamad on stage with him and Mr Abdullah, the trio raising their hands together in salute.

Dr Mahathir, who ruled Malaysia for 22 years until 2003, had sniped incessantly at Mr Abdullah, resigned from the party, and said he would not rejoin Umno until Mr Abdullah was gone.

'Tun Mahathir's presence indicates there could be a closing of ranks,' Mr Najib told a news conference, using the highest Malaysian honorific.

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