Both emotional and excited

At his press conference after the swearing-in ceremony today, Lim said his one-year experience behind bars over a politically-charged case has made him a much stronger person.

"When you are in jail, you lose all your humility. You have to fight everyday to stop yourself from turning into a mere digit. They want to suck you out completely but you must fight, persevere and come out stronger.

"When I was in jail, I never imagine that I will be CM one day. This is a huge transformation for me - from a jailbird to CM," he told reporters after the one-hour press conference at the chief minister's office in Komtar, Penang.

A jovial Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, conceded he was excited over the new post, which he described as a "rare and distinguished honour".

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