[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia’s new prime minister Anwar Ibrahim says recovering the economy and fighting corruption are some of the priorities of his soon-to-be-formed Cabinet.

“We will never compromise on good governance, anti-corruption, judicial independence and the welfare of ordinary Malaysians,” he said at his first press conference as PM on Thursday (Nov 24) evening.

75-year-old Anwar was sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister on Thursday, ending five days of political deadlock after the general elections.

He said Pakatan Harapan (PH) – which he leads – will form a unity government with Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Malaysian United Democratic Alliance, Warisan Party and some independents.

He added that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah has approached him to join his government and he is also open to other parties including rival Perikatan Nasional (PN).

At a separate media briefing, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin asked Anwar if he has majority support to form the federal government. With the 82 seats won by PH, and support from BN and GPS, Anwar says he commands majority support in the House.

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He will also be calling for a vote of confidence on Dec 19 when Parliament holds its first sitting.

A new or revised budget 2023 will follow within a month or so.

On the appointment of a deputy prime minister, Anwar said no decision has been made yet, adding that the post is “usually given to the members of parliament from other major component parties.”

Before the general election, he promised that the PH administration would have two deputy prime ministers – one from the peninsula and another from East Malaysia.