SOCIAL media users woke up to a new Malaysia today with celebratory messages and optimism.

“Good morning Malaysia!! #Negaraku,” said Twitter user Ameer Faris (@AmeerFaris).

He posted a photo of the Jalur Gemilang with “Reborn 10.5.2018”, referring to the Pakatan Harapan victory in the 14th general election.

Faizal Tahir (@faizal_tahir) tweeted: “Stepped outside. Took a long deep breath. Somehow the air feels so much fresher today. Very refreshing. #malaysia”

“Good morning Malaysia! Isn’t it such a beautiful morning! Can you smell FREEDOM?” tweeted klubbkidd (@klubbkiddkl)

Last night, Malaysia stunned herself and the world after Barisan Nasional was defeated after 61 years in power.

BN won only 79 parliamentary seats while Pakatan Harapan took 104 seats.

PH component DAP in Sabah and Sarawak and ally Parti Warisan Sabah contributed another nine and eight seats respectively to its seats.

Islamist party PAS took 18 seats. Three independents also won while Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku won one seat.

PH chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad – the man who led the charge for change these elections – was meant to be sworn in as the new prime minister this morning, but the palace issued a statement that the swearing in would be postponed for security reasons.

On Facebook, whistle-blower site Sarawak Report also sent its congratulations.

It posted: “To Malaysia congratulations. You have the people back in charge, taken a stand against corruption and your future is yours! What a great job done!”

Well-known lawyer Siti Kasim wrote: “My 55th birthday, unforgettable.”

Award-winning Malaysian transgender rights activist Nisha Ayub wrote on Facebook that she hoped the new government would ensure that all citizens were accorded their rights.

“It’s a historical moment for all of us here to witness this amazing day, where we venture towards a new phase, towards the future of our country,” she said.

“The government should put the people first and lead us towards a progressive and developed nation.

“Each and every one of us Malaysian regardless of our colour, race, religion, gender identity and sexuality should be protected and given equal opportunity and rights as we voted for this change and this new government,” Nisha said. – May 10, 2018.