His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to send a congratulatory message to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the occasion of his appointment as the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia.

In the message, His Majesty expressed satisfaction at the close relations and warm friendship between Brunei and Malaysia. His Majesty hoped that relationship would continue to be further enhanced for the mutual benefit of both countries and peoples.

His Majesty also expressed confidence that under the leadership of the new Prime Minister, Malaysia will continue to progress and that the people of Malaysia will enjoy continuous long lasting peace and prosperity.

His Majesty also prayed that Datuk Seri Najib and Datin Seri Rosmah and their family would always remain in good health, under the protection of Allah the Almighty.

The 55-year-old, British educated Najib replaced Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to become the country's sixth prime minister. Abdullah resigned Thursday - part of a power transition dictated by the ruling United Malays National Organisation in the wake of massive losses in last year's general elections, AP reported.

Datuk Najib was sworn in yesterday at a simple ceremony at the national palace. Wearing a traditional Malay dress - a black tunic and loose trousers with a knee-length gold embroidered cloth tied around the waist, he swore loyalty to Malaysia and preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

He was accompanied by his wife during the swearing in ceremony. - Borneo Bulletin (4th Apr 2009)