Malaysia swears in new Parliament

Malaysia swears in new Parliament

MALAYSIA: Malaysia's new Parliament was sworn in on Monday with
an overwhelming majority for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
following his election victory that obliterated the Islamic
fundamentalist opposition.

Nevertheless, opposition legislators vowed not to be
"intimidated", insisting they would speak up despite being
outnumbered nearly 10 to one by ruling coalition lawmakers.

In a three-hour ceremony, more than 200 members of
Parliament's lower house -- starting with Abdullah -- swore oaths
to fulfill their responsibilities and uphold the constitution.

"The Malaysian Parliament is effective and systematic and will
conduct itself according to the rule of law," said Mohamed Zahir
Ismail, the speaker of the lower house. --AP