Malaysia recognises Libyan rebel authority

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has recognised Libya’s rebel authority as longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi’s regime is collapsing.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said in a statement late Friday that the Muslim-majority Southeast Asian country accepted the National Transitional Council (NTC) set up by the rebels who took control of Tripoli this week.

“We are hopeful that the National Transitional Council… will govern the interim administration towards national unity, reconciliation, inclusiveness and reconstruction that would bring lasting peace and stability to Libya and its people,” Anifah said.

“To prevent further bloodshed… Malaysia joins other international voices in calling for the Gadhafi forces to submit to the choices of the majority of the Libyan people,” he added.

Several Western countries have also recognised the NTC, but the African Union declined Friday to recognise it and instead called for forming an all-inclusive transitional government.