First priority is to tackle cost of living

Malaysia's newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said his primary focus would be on the cost of living as he takes office with a slowing economy and a country deeply split after a close election. Anwar, 75, was sworn in as premier on Thursday, capping a three-decade political journey from a protege of veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad to protest leader, a prisoner convicted of sodomy and opposition figurehead. Anwar, who was appointed by Malaysia's king on Thursday following an inconclusive election, said his primary concern was the economy and he would have a smaller cabinet than those of previous administrations.