PKR turncoat Zahrain denies Ambassador appointment a POLITICAL REWARD

JAKARTA - Malaysia's Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim has refuted allegations by some parties in Malaysia that his appointment was a political reward.

He officially begins his task as ambassador today.

Zahrain said his experience as businessman, corporate figure and politician were valuable assets to assist him in his new position as a national diplomat.

The former PKR member of parliament (MP) for Bayan Baru who quit the party to become an independent MP in the last parliament, presented his appointment credentials as the new ambassador to Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Istana Merdeka here.

On Oct 2, he received his credentials from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

Previously, Zahrain was Penang PKR chairman and chairman of Hongkew Holdings Sdn Bhd, as well as patron of several non-governmental organisations.

"I do not deny I am new but with the support of my staff at the embassy and friends in Wisma Putra, I will be able to serve well," he said.

On bilateral relations, Zahrain said ties between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Susilo were warm and cordial.

Nonetheless, there are some minor issues between the two countries as Malaysia and Indonesia largely shared many similarities such as language, culture and religion.

He is currently, making preparations for the annual Malaysia-Indonesia consultation on Dec 19, in Bogor where Najib and Susilo will discuss several key bilateral issues, including promoting bilateral trade.

Bilateral trade has been growing from US$20 billion last year to US$21 billion this year, and both countries are targeting to achieve a trade volume of US$30 billion by 2015.

Towards this end, Zahrain said he would cooperate with the Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia to enhance ties between the business sectors of both countries.

He hopes to improve tourism as visitors from Indonesia formed the third largest group to Malaysia after Singapore and China, especially during the 2014 Visit Malaysia Year, by increasing flights to major towns in Indonesia.

-- BERNAMA