Malaysia's new PM takes office, inherits flagging economy

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Malaysia's new Prime Minister Najib Razak took office Friday, inheriting myriad challenges, including a flagging economy, a racially divided society and a moribund ruling party. The 55-year-old, British educated Najib replaced Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to become the country's sixth prime minister. Abdullah resigned Thursday - part of a power transition dictated by the ruling United Malays National Organization in the wake of massive losses in last year's general elections. Najib, who is expected to announce a new Cabinet lineup next week, faces a mammoth task ahead in healing the country's politics, society and an economy heading for recession.