KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on securing a renewed mandate to lead the country.
Describing Anutin as a “dear friend”, the Prime Minister expressed hope for continued close engagement between the two leaders.
“As immediate neighbours and Asean partners, Malaysia and Thailand have a deep stake in each other’s success. Our fates are like two rivers born of the same spring.
“I look forward to sustaining my close working relationship with Prime Minister Anutin and to strengthening the Malaysia-Thailand partnership, particularly in trade and investment, border cooperation and the wider stability of our region,” he said.
Anutin was re-elected prime minister yesterday after securing a parliamentary majority.
Official results released by the Thai Parliament showed Anutin, who is the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, won 293 votes, defeating People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who received 119 votes.
Out of the 498 members who cast ballots, 86 abstained.
Separately, the Prime Minister described the reconciliation efforts being driven by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) representing the Malay and Indian communities as a reflection of the people’s maturity in choosing the path of peace and rejecting discord.
Welcoming the effort, Anwar said the initiative also uplifted the spirit of mutual respect between the races.
“This is the true spirit and soul of Malaysia, a country that stands firmly on the values of kindness, togetherness and respect between the races.
“We must continue to preserve and embrace this togetherness as the foundation of the country’s strength,” he said in a statement.
Anwar also expressed his appreciation to all parties, including the police who made the effort a success.
“Hopefully this effort will continue to unite us and serve as an example in strengthening national unity,” he said.
On Wednesday, 30 NGO representatives from the Malay and Indian communities met to find a point of reconciliation in an effort to resolve the crisis faced by both communities amicably and comprehensively.
