The war in Iraq and the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) were the biggest events of 2003. On the domestic front, the retirement of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad in November and the appoint of his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hogged the limelight.

1) New prime minister

After 22 years, Malaysia witnessed the swearing in of its fifth prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who took over the reigns from his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Nov 1.