US AMBASSADOR TO MALAYSIA CONFIDENT STRONG TIES WILL ENDURE DESPITE ELECTION RESULTS

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The relations between Malaysia and the United States will remain strong, regardless of who wins the US election, US ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan, said. 

"The relations have always been strong regardless of who, or which party is in the White House.

“I think the underlying fundamentals of the relations are what really matter and I'm confident they will continue.”

Kagan said this to reporters during the US Election watch event here on Wednesday in response to how the results would impact Malaysia, especially as the country will be taking over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.

He said the US and Malaysia have enjoyed over 65 years of robust diplomatic ties, noting that while policies may change if there is a new president, the fundamentals of the bilateral relations will remain the same, underscoring the US’ deep and bipartisan commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Kagan was also asked about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent rejection of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's call to limit relations with Russia.

While refraining from discussing the matter, he said the US acknowledged Malaysia's sovereignty and its right to conduct foreign relations independently. 

"The US will take all appropriate and necessary measures to ensure that our interests are protected," he said, expressing confidence that both nations will find common ground to work together while respecting each other's core interests.

Americans in Kuala Lumpur have gathered at a prominent hotel here to watch the nail-biting race between former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as election results continue to pour in.

Organised by the US embassy, the event brought together expatriates, diplomats and local political enthusiasts.

The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as attendees follow live updates from key battleground states. 

Large screens display real-time broadcasts, with red, white, and blue decorations creating a festive but yet, tense setting. While Trump is leading, the race remains too close to call.

-- BERNAMA