KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said Malaysia could learn from the Australian government about the smooth handover of power after elections.

She also said Pakatan Harapan, which was previously critical of Australia’s support for Barisan Nasional, now welcomed assistance from the same country.

“That is over now and we have a new government. Whatever Australia had done, we criticised it... but they are now offering us help especially on transition (of administration).

“That was the first thing we discussed as Malaysia had not had transition in 61 years while Australia has had transition,” she told the media at the Parliament building, here, after her official meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

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“We discussed on what to do and how to move forward rather than dwell on past issues.”

Recently Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed that Australia was complicit in alleged corruption by the former government as he called on the latter to send home convicted murderer Sirul Azhar Umar.

Asked if her husband's statement had caused any tension or awkwardness during the meeting with Bishop, Dr Wan Azizah said the issue did not arise.

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Bishop said Canberra's support for the previous Malaysian government was based on the principle of working with “the government of the day”.

“In the past, Australia has worked with the government of the day and for the past 61 years, it has been the same government.

She said it would have been “painfully ridiculous” if the Australian government were to wait for an unknown length of time for bilateral relations to happen.

“We work with the government of the day. We are looking forward to the opportunity in deepening friendship and partnership with Malaysia and came up with many initiatives to do that,” she said.

Bishop is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas later.

She is also scheduled to visit the Monash University in Bandar Sunway to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the campus in Malaysia.