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Terima kasih for the memories

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The outgoing European Union’s ambassador to Malaysia reflects on how extraordinary it is that Malaysians of all backgrounds and opinions have welcomed him into their homes.

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Free Malaysia Today

From Michalis Rokas

With my term as the European Union ambassador to Malaysia ending after four fulfilling years, I find myself reflecting on the incredible honour it has been to represent the EU in this vibrant and diverse country.

The warmth and kindness I have experienced from the people here has truly touched my heart. It is extraordinary how Malaysians have welcomed me to their homes, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, class, political opinion or background.

From the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur to the remote jungle of Royal Belum, from coastal Semporna to Orang Asal longhouses, I have been warmly welcomed everywhere I went.

When I first arrived in September 2020, at the height of the pandemic, it was a different time for the world. I remember being under quarantine for two weeks, studying stacks of papers left by my predecessor to help me understand this unique Southeast Asian gem drenched in heritage, culture and biodiversity.

I quickly discovered just how extraordinary Malaysia is, as I found myself plunged into a world of “WhatsApp diplomacy”, kopitiam politics and the warmth of Malaysian hospitality, which is unlike anything I have known before.

Among my very first tasks here, even while I was under quarantine, was being in close contact with the health ministry to secure uninhibited exports of more than 65 million vaccines from the EU to Malaysia, supporting Malaysia’s pandemic preparedness with an RM10 million grant and making Malaysia’s digital vaccination certificate one of the first to be recognised by the EU.

While we have had many tough moments due to the pandemic, together with my colleagues – the ambassadors of EU member states to Malaysia – we have achieved a lot, a big part due to Malaysia’s openness and friendship extended towards the EU.

I must say that our joint commitment towards a future defined by peace, security, multilateralism and sustainability has been the primary link in the chain binding EU-Malaysia relations. This collaborative spirit manifested into the signing of the EU-Malaysia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement on Dec 14, 2022, the first umbrella agreement between Malaysia and the EU.

During my time here, I was also actively involved in meeting the investment, trade and industry ministry to discuss the potential for resuming the Malaysia-EU free trade agreement negotiations.

I am optimistic to say that the decision to restart the talks is very close. Much can still be done to upscale our partnership. In this regard, the FTA and the EU’s global gateway initiative, in which the EU aims to invest €10 billion in Southeast Asian economies including Malaysia by 2027, could be not only the key to unlocking the partnership’s full potential, but also the vehicle driving Malaysia’s green transition. I am hopeful that an agreement will be achieved soon.

During my term, together with the Malaysian authorities, we have also continued the work of ironing out and advancing discussions on the EU deforestation regulation and sustainable palm oil. I applaud Malaysia’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of its palm oil sector through the Malaysian sustainable palm oil standard.

Beyond government-to-government cooperation, the EU’s sustainability projects have also found a fertile soil in Malaysia, where we are spearheading many meaningful initiatives nationwide to protect Malaysia’s pristine biodiversity.

From supporting coral reef restoration and the critically endangered Malayan tiger to empowering the local Orang Asli communities as environmental stewards, the EU is committed to make a far-reaching impact in every corner of this beautiful country.

All of these efforts deeply align with the shared commitment by the EU and Malaysia towards creating a sustainable future for all. We have seen what we can achieve together when we leverage the power of bilateral cooperation, prioritise inclusive economic growth and sustainability.

It is apt that I end my service in Malaysia on the auspicious date of August 31, a time for patriotic celebration and national reflection as the country celebrates its 67th national day. As I depart, I take with me many new friendships, beautiful memories as well as a heart full of gratitude and hope for the continued growth and prosperity of this blessed nation.

I will miss this place greatly and will always be extremely grateful for my chapter here. In fact, Malaysians can count on having another “ambassador” of Malaysia in North Macedonia, where I am headed next.

Terima kasih Malaysia, jumpa lagi.

 

Michalis Rokas is the outgoing EU ambassador to Malaysia.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

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