Abdullah Badawi Sworn-In As Malaysian Premier

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The 64-year-old career politician and former Islamic student had campaigned hard in the northern states - a heartland for ethnic Malay Muslims - and has called for "modern and progressive" Islamic rule.

"This big win means a lot to us all. It represents the acceptance, the support of the people for the coalition," Abdullah said after declaring victory. His ruling coalition won 195 of 219 seats in the federal parliament and stunned the Islamic opposition by securing huge margins, even in the states the opposition thought were safely its own.

The opposition Islamic leader, Abdul Hadi Awang, has admitted defeat in Terengganu, which has been held by Pas since 1999. Hadi lost his parliamentary seat as well as his position as Terengganu's chief minister.

Although it held on to Kelanatan, Pas had been hoping to maintain control in both of its states and also win a third state, Kedah. But the ruling party retained control in Kedah, as well as its tiny neighbour Perlis, which Pas had also targeted.

Abdullah was appointed as prime minister by Mahathir in a long-arranged power transfer.

The huge parliamentary majority gives the ruling coalition the power to pass laws uncontested. The only winner among the opposition parties was the non-religious Democratic Action Party.

Its chairman and deputy were returned to parliament, having lost their seats in 1999.

In a surprise result, the National Justice Party of jailed former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim lost four out of the five seats it previously held. Anwar's wife Azizah Ismail was the only member of the party to retain a seat.