Dompok: Our unity will be highlighted via Vatican links

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia will share its experience in forging unity in a racially and religiously diverse nation through its diplomatic links with the Vatican.

Newly appointed Malaysian Ambassador to the Vatican Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, 67, said the nation had much experience to share with the international community in this regard.

As a Muslim majority nation, we have seen the challenges of forging unity in the context of realities in a country like ours, he told The Sunday Star.

“We can speak on the position of experience in these things and we have much to contribute in this area, and tackling the various challenges in a country like ours,” said Dompok who received his appointment letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Thursday.

Dompok, who is Malaysia’s first ambassador to the Vatican, said his job would entail pursuing the nation’s push for moderation in issues related to race and religion.

Dompok has met Pope Francis as well as his predecessors, Pope Benedict and the late Pope John Paul II.

Dompok, who has been credited with being instrumental in laying the groundwork for the establishment of diplomatic ties with the Vatican, said he had never expected to be appointed ambassador.

The former Sabah chief minister and Minister in the Prime Ministers Department, said he thought that he would have to remain active in politics for many years but that changed when he lost his bid for the Penampang MP seat in 2013.

“So many people called me after that and among them was the former Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam who told me that the good Lord may have plans for me. Maybe this is it,” said Dompok with a smile.

He intends to leave for his posting by mid April and an advance team was already in the Italian capital to identify the embassy’s premises.