During this period, the Oxford-trained politician, who was born in Kuwait to a diplomat father, carved a popular and personable image on social media, which has attracted a large following among youths.
But the 46-year-old former health minister is no greenhorn, having entered the world of politics more than two decades ago. From day one, he has been regarded as an ambitious politician who set his sights on the ultimate prize - to become prime minister.
In this article, Malaysiakini revisits his political career.