Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday hailed the confirmation of George W. Bush as US president-elect, saying it would heal strained political ties.
"I am happy with Al Gore's defeat," he was quoted as saying by the national news agency Bernama. "I hope Bush's victory will restore good ties between the two countries."
Unlike US Vice President Gore, Bush would certainly not make speeches in Malaysia urging the people here to "rebel" and fight the government, the premier said.
Mahathir was incensed by an incident in 1998 when Gore gave his backing to supporters of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim during a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Kuala Lumpur.
Mahathir said last month that relations would be soured if what he called an "uncouth" Gore won the election.
International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz said there had been "some aberrations" in the past due to attempts by the US government to interfere in Malaysia's political affairs.
"We would want the incoming president of the United States to always take into account the fact that while we do not interfere in the affairs of (their) country, we also do not want the Americans to be interfering in our internal affairs, especially (not) to get involved in anything that is political," she told reporters.
"Our sovereign rights have to be recognized. We do hope that the new administration ... will put this as a priority and treat us with equal respect and not allow any interventionist attitudes."
Rafidah said the bilateral relationship must be based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's affairs.
Anwar's supporters said Thursday they believe Bush would also support their struggle.
"Whoever is the president will honor and respect human and civil rights," said Raja Petra Kamarudin, director of the FreeAnwar Campaign -- JAKARTA (AFP)
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