KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The United States, which will see a new administration in January, next year, and Malaysia can realise new potentials in the relationships between the countries.

Speaking to reporters after John McCain conceded the presidential race to Barack Obama, US Ambassador to Malaysia James Keith thought there would be "a fresh start and a new beginning" in the bilateral relations in many respects because there was going to be a new administration in Washington.

He said this because this was the first time in a long time in the history of the US that a sitting president or vice-president was not running for the president's post and the American people too, were so eager for change.

"I think under those circumstances (new president and administration), we can talk about real change in the relationships between the two countries... I hope that would be able to advance our trade relationships.

"I hope that when the new administration comes in January, there will be steps necessary to get the global economy moving," he told reporters at the 'US Election Watch in Kuala Lumpur' event at a hotel here.

Obama, a Democrat, triumphed over Republican McCain to become the first black US president in the presidential election to succeed the hugely unpopular George W. Bush, and take office on Jan 20, next year.

Keith also said the US would be looking for opportunities with Malaysia to build on the common ground that exists between the countries on many areas such as economic and security sides.

"We got tremendous people-to-people exchanges... I think we will be looking for opportunities to draw more Malaysians to the US... increase the number of visits on both ways and increase the dialogue between America and Malaysia in many different spheres," he said.

Keith said the US would be looking for Malaysia's support in the region to try to increase economic opportunities for Asean, as well as for the US.

On the Malaysia-United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, Keith said: "We would be looking for Malaysia's help in expanding our FTA talks and getting another round going and hopefully bring to a conclusion that will increase opportunities, choice and increase prosperity for Malaysians and US citizens."

Meanwhile, about 250 people who attended the event, experienced the US election atmosphere.

The room was decorated with US flags and balloons of blue (Democrat) and red (Republican) colours and large screen live coverage by CNN, as the Malaysians guests were given the opportunity to cast their "vote" in a mock election.

In the end, a total of 223 votes were cast with 197 going to Obama-Joe Biden and only 18 votes for McCain-Sarah Palin, six spoilt votes and two went to Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader.

There was thunderous applause when CNN projection put Obama as having won the key battleground state of Ohio and when the same projection stated that Obama was elected United States President.

-- BERNAMA

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment