S'pore looks forward to developing equally constructive ties with new M'sian govt

SINGAPORE: Singapore looks forward to developing an equally constructive relationship with the next Malaysian government, says Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

“And to work with it to take the bilateral ties forward and benefit both our peoples,” he said in its latest Facebook posting yesterday.

The newly-formed Pakatan Harapan (PH) pact of four opposition parties secured a victory in Malaysia's just concluded general election that ended over 60 years rule by the Barisan Nasional (BN).

It was led by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“We are following the situation closely,” Lee wrote further.

As Malaysia's closest neighbour, Lee said the republic has a vested interest in Malaysia's stability and prosperity.

Lee noted that Singapore has enjoyed good relations and close cooperation with Malaysia for many years, with successive Malaysian leaders.

“While Malaysian politics are for Malaysians to decide, Singapore wishes Malaysia all the best in its political development,” said the prime minister.

“Many Singaporeans would have followed the news about the Malaysian election yesterday. It is clear that the outcome represents a major change in Malaysian politics. We are now awaiting the formation of a new government,” added Lee.

At around 4.45 am, PH which fought what is billed as the mother of all elections using its affiliate Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) light blue eye symbol, won 113 out of 222 seats in Parliament for a simple majority.