Malaysia re-elected to IMO again

Celebratory mood: Liow (third left) and the Malaysian delegation expressing their delight with the announcement of the IMO’s results. Also present include (from second left) Saripuddin, Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Datuk Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi and Marine Malaysia director-general Datuk Baharin Abdul Hamid.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisa­tion (IMO) for the seventh consecutive term since its first election in 2006.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysia’s success in retaining the seat for the 2018-2019 term was recognition by IMO member states of its contributions to the organisation.

The re-election also signifies Malaysia’s importance not only within the IMO but also in the international maritime sector.

“Malaysia’s success in maintaining its seat at the IMO Council will certainly provide confidence to foreign investors in the country’s maritime sector and encourage them to invest in the country’s growing shipping and port industry,” said Liow in a statement.

He led the Malaysian delegation in London for the IMO General Assembly on Friday.

He was accompanied by his secretary-general Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim and other senior officials from the ministry, as well as relevant agencies.

Liow said the successful re-election was a result of the strong cooperation and undivided support from the relevant agencies under the Transport Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry, to ensure Malaysia retained its position as an IMO Council member.

“As a member of the IMO Council, Malaysia emphasises the importance of human capital development among developing countries to ensure that all IMO member states can implement their obligations and apply adopted IMO conventions,” he added.

Previously, Malaysia implemented several human capital development programmes for African, Latin American and small island nations, he added.

Malaysia has also contributed financially to World Maritime Uni­ver­sity, Sweden and the Interna­tional Maritime Law Institute, Malta to increase the facilities and equipment of the training institution.

“Malaysia looks forward to continue supporting and participating in IMO’s various initiatives in the years to come,” said Liow.

A specialised agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard setting authority for the safety, security and environmental sustainability of international shipping.

Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair, effective, and adopted as well as implemented universally.

The assembly is held every two years and the election of IMO Council members is also held during the assembly.