AS the country awaits the swearing in of its 7th prime minister, Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, at Istana Negara, Malaysians have come out to celebrate the historic event.

In Kuala Lumpur, hundreds of people have filled Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, the road leading to the the third entrance of the palace. The crowd had began forming at 6pm. 

The mood was festive as the people gathered there waved PKR flags and chanted “Hidup Pakatan”, “Hidup Tun”.

About 300 supporters, meanwhile, were waiting at the palace’s entrance two for Dr Mahathir to emerge as the new prime minister.

“I’m here to show my support for the new government and our new prime minister Dr Mahathir, they can save our country as many people are suffering now. 

“We are looking to him to bring Malaysia up again and bring us back to the country’s glory days,” Sia Chay Ming, 55, from Pandan Perdana told Malaysia Decides. 

Unlike the crowd at rallies organised by political parties, the gathering today was of  regular Malaysians overjoyed at PH’s victory. 

The exuberant crowd was also vocal in its disapproval of the exiting prime minister, shouting “Tangkap Najib, Tangkap Rosmah” 

“This is a historic moment for our nation, it shows that our country is not afraid of change,” 25-year-old Azlin said

Sisters Sonia Kaur and Sirveen Randhawa said it was great to see the people coming together, united in their desire to to see a change in the government. 

“Sixty years is too long (for BN to have stayed in power). Dr Mahathir should be prime minister,” said Sonia, 36.

She said she saw PH’s victory coming but she was still overwhelmed and in disbelief when it actually happened. 

“This is going to be a wonderful thing for Malaysia,” she said. 

Sirveen said the the coalition leaders would make a lot of difference in the country. 

“They’re from the opposition so they realise what needs to change. 

“And they know all eyes are on them; this time it has to be a successful Malaysia right to Vision 2020.” – May 10, 2018.