Outgoing envoy cherishes Malaysia-Sweden ties
KUALA LUMPUR: One of the things that outgoing Swedish ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt values is the unique and longstanding ties between Malaysia and Sweden, spanning more than six decades.
He described the bilateral relations in an interesting manner using the Volvo and Proton marques.
“Volvo’s presence here was even way before Proton and Perodua were born,” he said, indicating how far back the bilateral relations went.
“The first car manufactured in Malaysia was Swedish – Volvo, in 1967. The first car ever exported from Malaysia in 1969 was also Volvo, making Malaysia the regional hub for us at that time,” he said of the fruitful bilateral ties.
“I wouldn’t expect a company from my own country, Sweden, to be the first in a nation like Malaysia,” he said indicating the high regard Sweden has for Malaysia.
“Now, Volvo and Proton are cousins! We are very much related in a way,” said Juhlin-Dannfelt, referring to the fact that both marques now come under China’s Geely.
Speaking to Bernama recently, Juhlin-Dannfelt, who presented his credentials on Dec 2, 2016, said he felt privileged to have experienced Malaysia’s diversity, modernity and natural splendour.
“I like Malaysia very much. I had a very interesting time – five years’ experience with three different governments and serving under three different Kings.
“We may not agree on every single issue, but at the macro level – the core backbone of our relationship is trade,” he said, adding that around 100 Swedish companies and related commercial establishments are present in the country.
“Malaysia has the potential to punch above its weight and I am certain that although the aim to become a developed nation by 2020 wasn’t achieved for different reasons, including challenges posed by the pandemic, Malaysia is on the verge of qualifying.
“With the right type of policies, governance and management, Malaysia should be able to reach this goal within a couple of years,” said Juhlin-Dannfelt, who also took time off from his rather busy schedule to tour Malaysia by hiking and trekking in the jungles.