Tunney (left) speaking to a visitor at the ‘Foundations of Friendship: Ireland and Malaysia’ exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PERSONAL stories can sometimes resonate more effectively in promoting history and bilateral relations.
This was demonstrated through the “Foundations of Friendship: Ireland and Malaysia” exhibition at Badan Warisan Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur featuring tales of people who had travelled from Ireland to Malaysia and vice-versa, contributing to development of both nations.
They included Eurasian nurse Sybil Medan Kathigasu, Malaya’s first Supreme Court judge Sir Edmond Stanley and Irish educator Sister Enda Ryan.
And there was former Johor ruler Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar Ibni Almarhum Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, recognised as the Father of Modern Johor.
Irish Ambassador to Malaysia Orla Tunney said personal stories could motivate someone not interested in politics or diplomacy, to delve into the history of Ireland and Malaysia’s friendship.
“Personally, I find it easier to approach and appreciate history by looking at a person or a group of people rather than studying data and statistics.
“For example, when I was told that Sultan Abu Bakar had travelled to Dublin in 1866, some questions immediately popped into my head.
“How did he travel? How many people were in the delegation? Who did he meet in Dublin?
A visitor looking at panels relating Ireland and Malaysia’s friendship.
“I find these personal stories very engaging.
“Hence we came up with the idea to hold this small exhibition focusing on personal stories,” said Tunney.
The ambassador said Malaysia and Ireland were “young countries” and did not have a long history of government-to-government cooperation.
“Thus, to explore the history of the friendship between Malaysia and Ireland, studying person-to-person linkages is important.
“In the process, you could also get to know people who were exceptionally brave and curious to travel halfway around the world, even more than 100 years ago.
“It is crucial for us to remember and honour the sacrifices of not only those who had fought wars, but also those who built institutions and helped people.”
She said the exhibition “cannot be comprehensive enough” and called for the contribution of ideas so that more stories could be included.
The exhibition will next move to GMBB in Bukit Bintang on Nov 22 and 23.
As this year marks the 30th year of the opening of the Ireland Embassy in Malaysia, Tunney said there were many things that the two countries could explore together.
“For the last three decades, the embassy in Malaysia has been promoting ties in various fields such as education, economy and culture.
“Malaysia and Ireland have a lot in common and I think we are both respected in our own regions as we don’t take sides.
“We view things based on their merits and are not swayed by any allegiance with anyone.
“Malaysia just finished the Asean presidency and addressed various challenges through cooperation with its Asean neighbours.
“Ireland will be taking on a similar responsibility as it becomes the president of the Council of the European Union next year, and we can learn a lot from each other,” Tunney said.
