Palace sees improved relations with Malaysia after Mahathir’s win

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday expressed confidence that the Philippines and Malaysia would continue to develop a “strong partnership” with the next Malaysian leadership.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. congratulated Malaysia’s former authoritarian ruler Mahathir Mohamad for his triumphant comeback as the country’s prime minister.

“Prime Minister Mahathir is an old friend of the Philippines and his fresh mandate augurs well for the deep relations between the Philippines and Malaysia,” Roque said.

The president’s mouthpiece described Malaysia as a “brother nation” and “dependable partner” of the Philippines for its peacekeeping efforts in Mindanao.

“We are thus confident that the strong partnership between our countries would continue to be enhanced in the years to come,” Roque said.

Both countries, however, are involved in the ongoing dispute over ownership of Sabah—Malaysian state located on the northern portion of Borneo Island.

The 92-year-old Mahathir came out of his retirement and joined the opposition after being angered by a corruption scandal of his protégé, former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, which resulted in a historic election victory.

The opposition’s win ends the National Front’s 60 year hold on power.

READ: Najib Razak concedes defeat in Malaysia election