Anwar affirms Malaysia's commitment to strategic partnership with Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed Malaysia's continued commitment as a strategic partner to Indonesia, aiming to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

In a Facebook post, Anwar expressed his belief that the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto would enhance cooperation with Malaysia and boost the region's prominence on the global stage.

"I attended this meaningful and significant ceremony, which marks a milestone in Indonesia’s democratic history and regional political development, as a gesture of respect for the people of Indonesia.

"With Bapak Prabowo Subianto's long political journey, having faced numerous challenges and tests, I am confident that he will serve wholeheartedly and, together with Malaysia, help foster harmony and elevate this region to greater heights," he stated.

Earlier on Sunday (Oct 20), the Prime Minister attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prabowo, 73, as Indonesia’s President for the 2024-2029 term at the Indonesian Parliament.

He was among 19 foreign leaders and heads of state invited to the event, including Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., Prime Minister of Serbia Milos Vucevic, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao.

Anwar also expressed his appreciation to Indonesia’s seventh President, Joko Widodo, for his contributions and cooperation with Malaysia during his tenure from Oct 20, 2014 to Oct 20, 2024.

Prabowo now leads the world’s third-largest democracy by population, following his victory in the 2024 Presidential Election on Feb 14, where he secured 59% of the vote.

Together with Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 37, Prabowo defeated challengers Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, who received about 25% and 16% of the votes, respectively. – Bernama