Duterte turns sentimental at karaoke with Malaysian leader

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In this image made from Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016, video, provided by Jesus Dureza, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, second left, and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak sing 70s chart topper "Sha-La-La-La-La-La" by Danish rock band The Walkers during a state dinner in Putrajaya, Malaysia. (Jesus Dureza via AP)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – It wasn’t coarse language that got Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte attention this time; it was his crooning.

He and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak performed karaoke at a state dinner in Malaysia on Thursday.

Duterte sang Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” while Najib performed an upbeat version of “The Young Ones” by Cliff Richards.

They sang together to the ’70s chart topper “Sha-La-La-La-La-La” by Danish rock band The Walkers. Najib danced as he sang.

Duterte, who’s well-known for using foul language, is on a two-day visit to Malaysia.

Najib told reporters that at their talks earlier in the day, the Philippines had agreed with Indonesia and Malaysia to allow security forces to make “hot pursuits” in its territorial waters. The neighbours are seeking to combat ransom kidnappings at sea.

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