By Caribbean News Global
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Malaysia held its 15th general election on November 19. The nation’s head of state announced on November 24 that Dato’ Seri Haji Anwar bin Ibrahim, chairman of the People’s Justice Party, part of the Alliance of Hope coalition, will serve as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.
“This election and formation of a new government once again attest to the Malaysian people’s firm commitment to democracy. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) congratulates Malaysia on smoothly completing this election and substantively consolidating its democracy,” department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said in a press release.
Malaysia is a key partner country under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy (NSP). In recent years, Taiwan and Malaysia have engaged in ever-closer exchanges in such areas as the economy and trade, education, technology, and culture. Malaysia is Taiwan’s seventh-largest trading partner and one of the largest sources of overseas compatriots and foreign students for Taiwan’s universities and colleges.
“The Taiwan government will work with the new Malaysian government on the foundation of friendship that already exists, further strengthening all manner of bilateral cooperation and exchanges under the NSP to jointly contribute to regional peace, stability, freedom, and prosperity.”