New envoy to US is a trained diplomat, says Tok Mat

 

Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan (right) with editors of various media agencies today. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Malaysia’s new ambassador to the US is a trained diplomat and a person with extensive experience in negotiations and international relations, says foreign minister Mohamad Hasan.

He said these qualities were crucial for Malaysia’s ambassador to the US, given the broad and significant bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in terms of trade and economic cooperation.

In addition, the current situation in the country under the new administration of president Donald Trump, as well as Malaysia’s plan to host the Asean-US Summit this year in conjunction with its chairmanship of the grouping, were also key factors in the selection of the candidate.

“Therefore, we cannot take the appointment lightly and send just anyone,” he said when speaking to the press at the “Santai Teh Tarik” session at the Concorde Club here today.

Mohamad said the nominee for ambassador has also been approved by the US and Wisma Putra is now in the process of obtaining the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.

Previously, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that the government had selected a candidate for Malaysia’s ambassador to the US to replace Nazri Aziz, whose two-year term ended earlier this month. - FMT