Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte may have presided over the deaths of thousands in a countrywide drug war but that doesnt mean he isnt impartial to letting his hair down with a little karaoke – his track of choice: Bette Midlers Wind Beneath My Wings.
Duterte showed off his lyrical talents in Malaysia with the countrys Prime Minister Najib Razak during a state dinner on 10 November. The evening comprised part of Dutertes two-day-long itinerary in Malaysia.
In a presentation of their united musical front Duterte and Najib also sang a duet together: 1970s chart topper Sha-La-La-La-La by Danish rock band The Walkers. The Associated Press reported Najib danced as he sang. Earlier the Malaysian prime minister performed The Young Ones by Cliff Richards.
Duterte may be looking to strike a new conciliatory tone after making waves in the international community attacking the UN, human rights groups and the Philippines longest standing military ally the United States.
The outspoken Filipino leader called outgoing US President Barack Obama a son of a whore and called for the withdrawal of the American military from his country. However, following the surprise election of Donald Trump, Duterte appears to have decided to bury the hatchet.
Wishing Trump success in his new role, the presidential palace said in a statement: President Duterte wishes President-elect Trump success in the next four years as chief executive and commander-in-chief of the US military and looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and shared commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law.
Aside from the karaoke, Duterte and Najib have been devoting their time to discussing security arrangements to combat pirating in their territorial waters. Najib told reporters that at their talks, the Philippines had agreed with Indonesia to allow the hot pursuits of groups carrying out kidnappings for the purposes of ransom.
As the neighbours discussed the measures it emerged militants, believed to be members of the Islamist organisation Abu Sayyaf linked to Islamic State, hijacked a foreign cargo vessel and seized six Vietnamese crew members.
