Dalai Lama wishes Anwar success as PM

KUALA LUMPUR – The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso has congratulated Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following his appointment as prime minister yesterday.

In a statement issued by his office based in Dharamsala, India, the Tibetan Buddhism spiritual leader said: “I had the pleasure of visiting your beautiful country in 1982, when I was invited to speak on peace and universal responsibility.

“I was also happy to have the opportunity of exchanging views with the late prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and other leaders.

“These are very challenging times. It is my hope that Malaysia will continue to prosper and make a significant contribution to the peace and stability of our increasingly interconnected world.

“I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Malaysia,” the Dalai Lama said.

The Dalai Lama also offered his prayers and good wishes to Anwar in administering the country.

The United States Department of State also congratulated Malaysia and Anwar on becoming the prime minister.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the 15th general election was a “demonstration of the power of democracy” as many among the millions of citizens who voted had done so for the first time.

“On behalf of the US, I congratulate the people of Malaysia for their national elections and Anwar Ibrahim for his election as prime minister.

“The US and Malaysia have forged a strong relationship – a comprehensive partnership – rooted in close economic, people-to-people, and security ties. We look forward to deepening our friendship and cooperation based on shared democratic principles and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“We remain committed to working with Malaysia to advance a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region,” Blinken said in a statement on the department’s website.

Anwar was sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister yesterday after a week-long political impasse stemming from the November 19 general election that saw no major coalition command a simple majority to form the government. – The Vibes, November 25, 2022