Malaysia’s prime minister, Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak (Najib Razak) will be leading his Barisan Nasional (BN) party to the polls this Sunday 5th May. The Barisan Nasional coalition is one of the world’s longest-serving governments and has led Malaysia since its independence from Britain in 1957. Assuming office in 2009, during Razak’s tenure the party has seen one of the fastest periods of economic growth in the country’s recent history alongside wide-ranging reforms to support higher and more inclusive growth.

Furthermore, for the first time, the prime minister is inviting 25 foreign election observers to its 13th General Election. These will come from the ASEAN countries of Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand. The prime minister has also signed an electoral integrity pledge, sponsored by Transparency International, ahead of the elections.

SK Lingam, Chairman of the ASEAN UK Business Forum as well as Malaysian Link UK and Senior Vice President of the Friends of Barisan Nasional UK, is available for expert comment.

For expert commentary and interview availabilities, please contact Neha Desai, Head of Media Relations on neha@curzonpr.com or +44 2073992437

Notes for Editors:

About SK Lingam

SK Lingam (SK) is the Chairman of the ASEAN UK Business Forum (AUBF), which was initiated 16 years ago by the then, their Excellencies the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the Court of St James’s. SK remained elected Chairman of AUBF for a decade since its inception. He resigned voluntarily after 10 years’ service and was appointed the first Honorary President of AUBF, a position which he still holds. SK is also a founding and former member of the Malaysia UK Association (MUKA) and The Focus Malaysia Group (FMG) in London. SK is currently the founding member and first Chairman of Malaysian Link UK (MLUK).

SK has spoken widely throughout the UK, Europe and in ASEAN countries on EU, UK and ASEAN political, legal, socio-economic and trade matters. He has also acted as moderator in numerous trade seminars, dialogue sessions and conferences both within the UK, Europe and ASEA nations.