NAJIB TO BE SWORN IN FRIDAY - CHIEF SECRETARY

PUTRAJAYA, April 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal
Abidin has given his consent for Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak to be sworn
in as prime minister at 10am on Friday, Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd
Sidek Hassan said.

In a statement issued here Wednesday night, he said Tuanku Mizan had also
consented to grant an audience to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib at 10am
Thursday for Abdullah to relinquish the post and seek consent to appoint Najib
as the new prime minister.

Tuanku Mizan gave his consent at an audience with Abdullah before the
cabinet meeting Wednesday morning.

The King had given his consent for Najib to be presented his letter of
appointment as prime minister and to take his oath of office, loyalty and
confidentiality at Istana Negara (National Palace) at 10am on Friday, the
statement said.
-- BERNAMA