FORMER President Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada sends a congratulatory message to newly appointed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Erap said in his message, “My dear friend Anwar, It was with great joy that I learned of your appointment by King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah as prime minister.”

The former Philippine president considers Anwar, a “friend.”

“My friend, I wish you all the blessings of Allah as you fulfill your destiny,” Estrada told Anwar.

“I know all too well the long and difficult times you endured over the years before achieving this milestone in your career, and I’m truly excited for the future of Malaysia under your capable leadership,” he said.

Erap informed the Malaysian prime minister that he was now “happily retired from public life and enjoying being a spectator in the political world.”

He also stated, “It is my hope,” Estrada said, “that my eldest son Jinggoy, who is serving in the Senate, will have access to your wise counsel should he need it.”

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