The State Palace has extended its well wishes to neighbor Malaysia following the resignation of its prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad

Presidential spokesman Fadjroel Rachman answered journalists’ questions on Monday regarding the response of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s office to what many dubbed as a surprising move by the 94-year-old, the world’s oldest elected leader.

“[Indonesia] is hoping for the best for Malaysia and for relations of the neighboring countries to continue on good terms,” Fadjroel said as quoted by Antara on Monday. 

Mahathir submitted a letter of resignation to Malaysia’s king at 1 p.m. local time on Monday, according to the prime minister’s office, amid rumors that he might form a new coalition, Reuters reported. 

While leaving the fate of ruling coalition Pakatan Harapan in limbo, Mahathir — who returned from retirement to run in the 2018 election — also resigned as chairman of Bersatu, the political party he had formed shortly before the race. 

His resignation followed a weekend full of speculation that the ruling coalition could lose power and that Mahathir would form and lead a new government with the opposition without his designated successor, Anwar Ibrahim, although the latter insists the former leader will not side with the previous administration. 

Several coalition partners have asked Mahathir to remain as caretaker prime minister. (syk)

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