Former MIC president S Samy Vellu has expressed confidence that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will steer the country towards a better future for all Malaysians.

Samy Vellu, who once served as minister under Mahathir's previous leadership of the country from 1981 to 2003, said he had always maintained the highest respect for him.

“I would like to congratulate Mahathir on his appointment as the prime minister of Malaysia. I also wish to congratulate Pakatan Harapan on its victory in the (recently-concluded) 14th) general election.

“Above all, I wish to congratulate the people of Malaysia. I extend my sincere and strong support as always to Mahathir and his dynamic team,” he said in a statement today.

Samy Vellu led MIC from 1981 to 2010.

The Harapan coalition led by Mahathir formed the government after a stunning victory in the May 9 polls that ended the 61-year rule of the Barisan Nasional.

He was sworn in as prime minister for the second time on May 10.

- Bernama