‘Diplomacy at all-time high’
Chief Secretary lauds Malaysia’s excellent global ties
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is at the zenith of its diplomatic relations with countries all over the world, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
“This is the highest achievement of Malaysia under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,” he said after visiting the “Diplomacy@60: Then & Now” exhibition at the National Museum here yesterday.
The exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the National Museum, is participated by 18 countries that have established diplomatic relations with Malaysia since 1957.
It will be held until July 15. “They have taken a lot of effort to showcase their diplomatic relationship with Malaysia through the exhibition,” Dr Ali said.
He said the exhibition centred on historical events and also the country’s achievements and challenges.
Dr Ali, who was briefed on the 1Pelajar 1Muzium (1P1M) pro- gramme by Museums Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, said the programme aimed to bring museums into classrooms and was part of the school syllabus.
“History is important, and that’s why a lot of countries, especially developed countries, made history a prerequisite for undergraduates.
“We are looking at the history of our country’s diplomatic relations since 1956, changes that occurred, and the various modules,” he said.
Dr Ali, who is also MRT Corp chairman, said the opening of the Muzium Negara MRT station is expected to attract more visitors to the National Museum.
“We expect the number of visitors to rise two or three-fold,” he said, adding that there is a linkway that connects KL Sentral and the station.
The launch of Phase 2 of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line on July 17 involves the Semantan-Kajang route covering 30km and 19 stations.
Its opening will mark the completion of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line that stretches 51km.
More than 500,000 passengers are expected to use it daily.