KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysia's new leader Najib Razak faces an enormous task to rebuild his shattered party and win back the support of voters who deserted it at elections a year ago.

As the son and nephew of two former prime ministers, the urbane 55-year-old who was sworn in Friday as Malaysia's sixth prime minister has an impeccable political pedigree.

But Najib, who spent the past six years as deputy premier, is also encumbered with heavy baggage that pundits say could make his job even more difficult.

And there are fears his problems -- including low popularity ratings and unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and links to a sensational murder -- may see his adminstration revert to hardline tactics.