DFA sees closer PH-Malaysia ties with Mahathir win

FILE: Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad addressing the General Assembly on September 25, 2003 (Photo By Syrenn, Public Domain)

MANILA— The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on Friday expressed hopes to an enhanced relations with Malaysia with the election of Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad as the new Malaysian Prime Minister this week.

“We are confident that the new administration will continue to foster peace, security, and the economic success of Malaysia,” said the DFA in a statement sent to the media.

“The Philippines is looking forward to working with Prime Minister Mahathir and his government in further enhancing the bilateral partnership between our two countries and peoples.”

In the statement, DFA congratulated the newly elected leader and the Malaysian people for the success of their 14th general elections.

“The results of the election and the peaceful transition of government affirm the adherence of the Malaysian people to the democratic process,” it said.

The 92-year-old Malaysian Prime Minister, who had ruled Malaysia from 1981 to 2003, is the world’s oldest elected leader.

He has been sworn in as the country’s 7th prime minister in a ceremony before the Malaysia’s king after his stunning comeback, which unseated his predecessor Najib Razak.