May the best man win: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin and Kagan casting their mock votes during a US Presidential Election Watch event in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The United States remains committed to strengthening ties with Malaysia and the Indo-Pacific region regardless of the outcome of its just-concluded presidential election, says US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.
He said the decades-old US-Malaysia partnership is based on a solid foundation of shared interests and values.
“I’m confident that whatever administration we have, there will be importance placed on the Indo-Pacific region and also on the relationship with Malaysia.
“I am not going to pretend there won’t be a difference, but what is clear is that it is very much in the United States and Malaysia’s interest that we have a strong partnership,” he said during his closing speech at the US Election Watch event here yesterday.
The event, which was attended by other diplomats and expatriates, saw former president Donald Trump elected to a second term at the White House and the Republicans gaining the upper hand in the Senate.
Earlier, Kagan said Malaysia and the United States have enjoyed over 65 years of diplomatic ties, adding that he is optimistic that the partnership would strengthen in future.
“I think the fact that US investments have not just created jobs but also opportunities for Malaysians. That’s what’s going to matter as we go forward,” he added.
The United States is one of the largest foreign investors in Malaysia, with direct investments totalling US$21.53bil (RM94.82bil) last year.
Meanwhile, Kagan declined to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks that he had recently rejected a call by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to stop being friendly with Russia.
“Obviously, there are reasons why the press is asked to leave the room when there are meetings so that we can have candid discussions.
“So, I don’t want to discuss those aspects,” he said, adding that the United States recognises Malaysia as a sovereign state with rights to conduct its diplomatic relations as it thinks best.
“The United States will take all appropriate and necessary measures to ensure that all US interests are protected and I’m confident that within these constraints, we can find ways to work together,” he said.
In a meeting with students at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia last week, Anwar said he had rejected a call by Blinken during the Asean Summit in Vientiane, Laos, last month to stop being friendly with Russia.
At yesterday’s event, Kagan also highlighted Malaysia as an extraordinary example of a success in democracy.
“Navigating big political changes peacefully – in a way that respects institutions – is a real testament to the power of democracy to ensure both a peaceful change of leadership and that the voice of the people is heard, with leadership reflecting the wishes of the people,” he said.
