Wednesday May 8, 2013

GE13: World leaders congratulate Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has recognised Malaysia's general election result, calling it the most competitive in the nation's history, and urged all parties to “peacefully respect the will of the voters”.

State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said the United States looked forward to working with the government to be formed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Ventrell told reporters in Washington that the United States was aware of concerns about voting irregularities and noted that the Opposition parties faced significant restrictions on access to the media, AP quoted him as saying.

He said despite the Opposition's claims of irregularities, all parties should respect the outcome.

British Prime Minister David Cameron personally called Najib on Monday night to offer his congratulations, the British High Commission here said.

“Cameron looks forward to strengthening the UK's bilateral relationship with Malaysia,” it said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard called Najib yesterday to convey her best wishes and spoke with him for about 10 minutes.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Gen Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan also sent their congratulatory messages.

The Indonesian and Philippine governments have also congratulated Najib on his victory and Malaysia on the successful completion of its general election.

Meanwhile, the European Union's top diplomat Catherine Ashton congratulated Najib for his victory while noting the Opposition's claim of poll irregularities, AFP reported.

“I am looking forward to continue working with his government,” she said.

More world leaders are expected to send their messages to Najib.

For more election stories, please visit The Star's GE13 site

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