Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was warmly welcomed by the mainstream media on his first day in office, but warned of major challenges ahead. Abdullah, 63, was sworn in Friday as Malaysia's fifth prime minister since independence from Britain in 1957, ushering in a new political era in a country that has been dominated for 22 years by his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad. His most important challenge, was to lead the ruling National Front coalition to a convincing victory in general elections due within a year "to secure a personal mandate for his policies". The main opposition comes from the Islamic Party (PAS), which wants to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state. Abdullah would also have to address corruption and "the notion among some Malaysians that the government owes them a living". Hometown supporters in Penang were meanwhile gathering to give their "village hero" a grand welcome on his first day in power. Some 20,000 residents and wellwishers were expected at the airport to greet the first local boy from this northern resort state to be elevated to the nation's highest office, officials said. Abdullah will deliver his maiden speech as premier before being escorted by a motorcade of some 2,000 motorcyclists to his village in Kepala Batas on the mainland peninsula, linked to the island by a 13.5 kilometre bridge, reputedly the longest in Asia. Some 300 security personnel will be on duty and several roads, including the bridge, will be open only to his convoy, police said. His hometown village has taken on a festive air, with posters and bunting lining the roads between the bridge and the airport. Abdullah, widely known as Pak Lah (Uncle Lah), will seek blessings from his 79-year-old mother Kailan Hassan and break Ramadan fast with his family, before attending a nearby mosque for prayers and a thanksgiving feast planned by supporters. Kailan has described Abdullah's appointment as God's will and has advised her son to remain down-to-earth. "It never crossed my mind Abdullah will become prime minister. Everything is up to God. We should not be carried away by positions," she said, adding that they would share a simple meal of porridge and dates, her son's favorite. Abdullah, who has a reputation as "Mr Nice Guy" is not expected to make any radical changes to Mahathir's economic and social policies, at least in the short term, but his style will be different as he is less confrontational than his controversial predecessor. **PHOTO CAPTION*** New Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi smiles as he arrives at his office in Putrajaya near Kuala Lumpur. (AFP/POOL/Bazuki Muhammad)