We'll work well with any Malaysia government: Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull says Australia will work well with the new Malaysian government after the shock election of veteran strongman Mahathir Mohamad.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull Source: AAP

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is adopting a wait-and-see position on the likely outcome of Malaysia's general election.

Veteran strongman Mahathir Mohamad is set for a return to the prime minister's office he occupied for 22 years after leading a coalition of opposition parties to victory.

"We will wait and see. It is the decision of the Malaysian people and we have always worked well with the government of Malaysia and we look forward to the results of the election," Mr Turnbull told ABC radio on Thursday.