KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia on Sunday (Nov 8) congratulated Mr Joe Biden on his historic victory in the 2020 US presidential election.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the country has closely followed the electoral process in the US with much anticipation.

"The American voters have decided decisively in endorsing Mr Biden as the 46th President of the United States for his leadership and vision.

"As a fast growing developing country, Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with the United States," he said in a statement.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin added that the US-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership continues to be an overarching framework for proactive, multifaceted and mutually beneficial collaboration between the two nations.

"Malaysia looks forward to strengthening further this partnership with the United States under president-elect Joe Biden's leadership as the international community seeks to address the many global challenges, including the disastrous impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic," said Mr Muhyiddin.

"I wish President-elect Joe Biden great success in his presidency, and look forward to meeting him personally when an opportunity arises," he said.

'Unity over racism'

Malaysia's Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim tweeted his congratulations to Mr Biden and his vice-president-elect Kamala Harris.

"The American people have chosen unity over racism and a government that is committed to peace, defending human rights and the environment," Mr Anwar wrote on Sunday.

"Malaysia and the United States have a long history in trade and bilateral relations and it is my sincere wish for this relationship to be further strengthened together."

Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said a "Biden win" will usher in a more liberal administration for the US, with domestic concerns such as affirmative actions, sexual orientations and immigration once again on the rise.

"Internationally, it would mean a less transactional, more predictable America which once again embraces multilateralism and free trade," he told The Straits Times.

"The return of free trade is of special interest to Malaysia and many other Southeast Asian countries for which renewed trade with and investment from America are important for their economic development."

Dr Oh added that with Mr Biden leading the country, he is likely to bring about a more liberal and inclusive America much like former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, which saw the coming of age of an increasingly welfare state, as opposed to recently defeated president Donald Trump which stressed on business-friendly policies.

"Internationally, a less confrontational America will once again consult its allies and mollycoddle its rivals, and be less inclined to reverse America's perceived decline as a superpower. The will to make America great again will be missing, much like the Jimmy Carter years," he said.

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