S'pore President, PM Send Message Of Congratulations To Malaysian King

SINGAPORE, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have sent messages of congratulations to Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah who took his oath of office Tuesday as Malaysia's 14th King. In his message, Tan said it was a truly historic occasion as His Majesty was assuming the office for a second time. The Sultan of Kedah had been the King from 21 January 1970 to 20 September 1975. Tan said Singapore and Malaysia share a very close and unique friendship, and "our ties have strengthened significantly over the years". "I am confident that under Your Majesty's reign, Malaysia will continue to prosper and progress, and our bilateral relations will broaden and deepen further. "My wife and I offer our warmest wishes for Your Majesties' good health and success," he said. Prime Minister Lee, in his message, said: "Under Your Majesty's wisdom and guidance, I am confident that Malaysia will continue to progress and develop. "Singapore and Malaysia have very close and warm ties, and I look forward to expanding our cooperation bilaterally and within Asean during Your Majesty's reign. "My wife and I convey to Your Majesty and Her Majesty, the Queen, our respects and best wishes," he said. -- BERNAMA Malaysia