Malaysia to remain steadfast on international issues

PUTRAJAYA: Wisma Putra will make sure Malaysia’s voice is heard in various international issues including matters concerning the country.

Foreign Ministry secretarygeneral Datuk Seri Ramlan Ibrahim said issues on the plight of the Palestinians and Rohingya, apart from Asean countries’ cooperation and preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2020, will be among the ministry’s main focus this year.

“Like 2017, this year will be an interesting year for us because we are handling the Rohingya issue, negotiating with North Korea and standing firm on the Palestine issue.

“Malaysia will continue to work to become a strong voice for moderation. We are also happy when our moderation resolution was accepted by the United Nations (UN) last year,” he said.

Ramlan was referring to the resolution that was voted in favour by 135 member nations of the UN with only the United States and Israel voting against the resolution. There were no abstention.

The content of the resolution was on the proclamation of 2019 as the International Year of Moderation and the effort to amplify the voices of moderation through the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, understanding and cooperation.

“As for this year, we will make sure our voice remains vocal to reflect on our strong position in handling various issues,” he added.

Several overseas trip are planned for this year to explore more trade opportunities for Malaysia.

Ramlan said this after the retirement ceremony for the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (multilateral affairs) Datuk Ho May Yong, who will hand her duties to her successor Datuk Kennedy Jawan here.

With the appointment, Jawan will be first Sarawakian to hold the post in the ministry.

Ramlan also conveyed the ministry’s gratitude to Ho for her commitment and service to the ministry.

Ho, 60, has called it a day after an illustrious diplomatic career that spanned three decades, beginning in 1984 as an administrative and diplomatic officer upon graduation from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

She had served in United Kingdom and Australia during the early part of her career, also as special officer to former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi from 2003 to 2009.