PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA: It is possible for anyone from a minority group to be a nation's leader, even in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi.

"It is up to the people to decide, just as the Americans had done through the democratic process," he said while extending his congratulations to Senator Barack Obama.

Reporters had asked him in the Parliament lobby yesterday if it were possible for a person from a minority group to become Prime Minister in Malaysia.

Abdullah hoped Obama would bring positive changes to world affairs, as the United States had great influence on international issues and the conduct of international relations.

Abdullah said the most immediate attention Obama should focus on was the US economic crisis.

The premier also hoped Obama would be fair in his dealings with all people, including Muslim groups.

Abdullah called for a new era of friendlier relations between Malaysia and the United States based on mutual respect.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said in a statement that Malaysia looked forward to enhancing the present good relations and promoting new initiatives to further boost the bilateral relations.

He said Malaysia hoped the Obama administration would give deserving attention to developing nations in the context of humanity, development and bilateral relations.

International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin pinned his hopes on Obama liberalising the US economy and paying more attention to smaller countries like Malaysia.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad urged Obama to get to know other countries well.

"We noticed that (US President George W.) Bush knew nothing about the rest of the world and many American investors do not know enough about the East, where all the action is going to be," said Dr Mahathir in an interview with Al Jazeera yesterday.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said: "I call on him to immediately act on the need to engage with all quarters and to try first to withdraw from Iraq."

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Americans had made an "inspiring" choice in picking Obama. PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat reasoned Obama's victory was a "victory of sorts" for Islam because Islam did not differentiate between race or creed.

"That is why Obama's victory is groundbreaking. It also proves there is no such thing as the superior race of the Caucasian. Everybody shares equality in Islam," he said.