KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Republican candidate Donald Trump for making a comeback to the White House by clinching victory in the 2024 United States presidential election.
Anwar expressed his well wishes to Trump, 78, in a post on X today, following reports by major news outlets calling the race between him and Democrat nominee Kamala Harris.
“Congratulations to (Trump) on his remarkable political comeback and victory in the US presidential election. This new chapter brings renewed opportunities and we’re ready to move forward with optimism, collaboration and shared purpose.
“We look forward to working closely with the incoming president to foster mutual benefits for the people of both our nations,” Anwar said in his post, adding that the US remains Malaysia’s largest source of foreign investment and a vital player in the Asia-Pacific region.
Expressing Putrajaya’s hope that America will reinvigorate its engagement with Southeast Asia, Anwar also urged the US to use its “considerable influence” to help end the devastating violence and loss of life in Palestine and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in a separate post on X, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz joined Anwar in congratulating Trump, noting that the US and Malaysia have an enduring economic and trade partnership.
“The US has consistently been one of Malaysia’s top trading partners and one of the largest investors into our country. Our people-to-people ties in various areas like education but also family and friendships have spanned generations.”
“I am keen—especially with Malaysia assuming the 2025 Chairmanship of ASEAN—to work with my counterparts in the new administration to strengthen and add mutual benefit to our relationship, whether on a bilateral or multilateral basis.”
According to the Associated Press, Trump successfully secured 277 votes in the Electoral College, far outpacing Harris who obtained 224.
At least 270 Electoral College votes are needed to clinch the presidency.
Trump was first elected president in 2016, defeating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. However, in 2020, he was defeated by Joe Biden, who had served as vice president under President Barack Obama.
Trump, who is also accused of inciting his supporters to attack the US Capitol building in what many described as a violent insurrection, was also previously convicted with several felony charges. – November 6, 2024