In a brief message, the White House said Trump also congratulated “all Malaysians on their participation in a competitive and peaceful election campaign”.

The White House said the US-Malaysia relationship was rooted in longstanding and strong people-to-people ties, shared democratic values, and commercial relations.

It added: “The US looks forward to continuing to work closely with Malaysia to further strengthen the US-Malaysia comprehensive partnership, and to address common international and regional challenges.”

Although there have been some disagreements over human rights and US foreign policy, Malaysia and the US have had smooth relations over the years, cooperating on a wide range of issues. The relationship spiked during the presidency of Barack Obama.

Diplomatic relations between the US and Malaysia were established on August 31, 1957, when the US elevated its consulate general in Kuala Lumpur to the status of embassy.