Malacañang is confident that the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia would continue as Mahathir Mohamad’s successful comeback as Malaysian Prime Minister “augurs well” for the two countries.
“We wish to congratulate Mahathir Mohamad on his return as Prime Minister of Malaysia,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Friday.
Roque said the victory of Mahathir, whom he described as “an old friend” of the Philippines, “augurs well for the deep relations between the Philippines and Malaysia.”
“Malaysia, as we all know, is a brother nation and dependable partner of the Philippines for having played a constructive role towards the attainment of peace and stability in Mindanao,” he said.
“We are thus confident that the strong partnership between our countries would continue to be enhanced in the years to come,” he added.
Mahathir has been sworn in as Malaysia’s 7th prime minister after he defeated Najib Razak, whose administration has been tarnished by allegations of massive theft from a state investment fund.
He served as Malaysia’s prime minister for 22 years until 2003. /kga