Nurul Izzah Anwar stressed that Malaysia’s next US ambassador must be resilient and well-prepared to handle difficult international relations. Suggested candidates include herself, Tengku Zafrul, and others with political and corporate backgrounds. The outgoing ambassador confirmed his term had concluded, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in upcoming diplomatic challenges.
KUALA LUMPUR: Nurul Izzah Anwar emphasized that Malaysia’s next envoy to the United States needs to be a well-prepared and resilient ambassador, capable of managing complex international relations. She refrained from discussing the possibility of her own appointment but stressed the importance of strong leadership amidst turbulent global dynamics. “What’s important is that Malaysia has a very robust and deeply prepared ambassador because it will be a roller coaster of a challenge,” she stated after a joint event involving Ipsos and Polity think tanks.
Recently, former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming suggested five potential candidates for the ambassador position, listing Nurul Izzah alongside Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. Other names included Tan Sri Nazir Razak, a former CIMB chairman, ex-MP Yusmadi Yusoff, and Faiz Abdullah, the chairman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia. Each candidate brings unique strengths to the table based on their backgrounds and political affiliations.
Ong highlighted the qualifications of the prospective candidates, noting Faiz’s involvement in providing foreign policy advice to the Prime Minister. He also pointed out Nurul Izzah’s significant role as a key aide, along with Tengku Zafrul’s track record as a trustworthy minister in Anwar’s cabinet. Additionally, Nazir is recognized as a noteworthy corporate figure, while Yusmadi’s long-standing membership in Anwar’s inner circle enhances his candidacy.
The outgoing ambassador, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, confirmed that his two-year term concluded on February 8 and clarified that he was a political appointee rather than a career diplomat. The future ambassador will need to play a crucial role in facilitating Malaysia-US relations during this changing global landscape.
Nurul Izzah Anwar insists on the necessity of a robust ambassador for Malaysia in the US, highlighting the need for exceptional preparedness due to international challenges. Candidates suggested for this role include notable figures from various sectors. The outgoing ambassador, a political appointment, leaves behind high expectations for his successor to navigate the complexities of diplomacy effectively.
Original Source: www.nst.com.my
