Published: Thursday May 9, 2013 MYT 7:54:00 PM

GE13: Foreign envoys congratulate Barisan on polls victory

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign envoys congratulated Barisan Nasional's victory in the 13th general election under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and commended the election process, saying it was conducted in a democratic way.

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in congratulating Najib, said the victory was achieved under his able leadership.

He also congratulated Najib on his reappointment as the Malaysian prime minister and noted that the scenario could be construed as a strong backing for the policies of Barisan.

In a statement issued by the Iranian embassy here, Ahmadinejad said he was optimistic that bilateral relations under Najib's leadership and guidance would continue to grow strongly and "increase by the day, more so than in the past."

"I pray that Allah grants your excellency and the government and people of Malaysia good health, success and prosperity," he said.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's ambassador-designate, Prof Dr Qaley Allahverdiyev, said that the polls were conducted in a very democratic and peaceful way.

"Taking into consideration that there were protests which took place last year and earlier this year, the recent election and the campaigns were really good," he said.

In congratulating Najib, he hoped that Barisan would fulfill all its promises and that "the people can feel or understand the changes that they will do for the betterment of the country."

Ukraine ambassador Ihor V. Humennyi said he was impressed with the elections, including the campaigns, which were well-organised and peaceful.

The Malaysian people's active involvement in the election proved that democratice development in the country was getting stronger and people were more politically conscious, he said in a statement.

However, he noted that the election results revealed polarisation of the Malaysian society on ethnic grounds and hoped that this could be overcome.

The May 5 polls saw Barisan returned to power, fending off a strong challenge from the Pakatan Rakyat, after winning 133 of the 222 parliamentary seats to form the new federal government. - Bernama

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