US, M'SIA HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO REALISE NEW POTENTIALS

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 Wednesday.

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.