KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — United States President Donald Trump has congratulated Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on having been sworn in as the new prime minister of Malaysia.

The White House in a statement yesterday posted on the US Embassy Kuala Lumpur Facebook account, said the president also congratulated all Malaysians on their participation in a competitive and peaceful election campaign.

"The United States looks forward to continuing to work closely with Malaysia to further strengthen the United States-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership and to address common international and regional challenges,” the statement added.

The statement also said Washington-Kuala Lumpur relationship is rooted in longstanding and strong people-to-people ties, shared democratic values and commercial relations.

Dr Mahathir created history yesterday when he took the oath of office as the prime minister of Malaysia for the second time and at the age of 92.

The swearing-in took place in the wake of Pakatan Harapan’s historical victory in the 14th general election Wednesday. — Bernama