Seven Malaysians honoured by Japanese government for enhancing bilateral ties

Tan Sri Azman Hashim

PETALING JAYA: Seven Malaysians were bestowed with Japan's 2021 autumn decorations for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of diplomatic and economic relations between Japan and Malaysia.

In a statement on Wednesday (Nov 3), the Japanese Embassy said its government has conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on five Malaysians.

They are Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (Majeca) president Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman, former Malaysian ambassadors to Japan Datuk Shaharuddin Md Som and Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, and former Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar.

The statement said that Azman, who is the founder of AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank Group), has made "outstanding contributions to strengthen the economic relationship between Japan and Malaysia" and encouraged the Malaysian government and private sector to revitalise the Look East Policy with his strong initiative.

For Mohd Khairul Adib, it noted his effort in strengthening the Look East Policy through people-to-people exchange and cooperation in transportation.

Both Shaharuddin and Mohd Radzi were awarded for their role in enhancing bilateral relations through a series of initiatives and activities during their stints.

As for Ahmad Puzi, he was recognised for helping to strengthen the relationship in the field of maritime law enforcement during his tenure, such as on measures against maritime crimes.

The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star was established by Emperor Meiji in 1875 and was Japan's first national decoration.

According to reports, it is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government and generally the highest ordinarily conferred order.

Two other Malaysians were also recognised by the Japanese government.

Former Bernama chairman and veteran newsman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his role in deepening ties between Japan and Malaysia.

Former president of the Japanese Language Society of Malaysia Edward Lee Chee Peng was given the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for promoting Japanese language education and the understanding of Japanese culture in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, two Japanese nationals in Malaysia have also been awarded for their contributions.

Ueda Plating (M) Sdn Bhd director Hiroshi Aoki has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays for helping to boost the economic relationship between Japan and Malaysia.

Junichi Watanabe, former head of Japanese teachers in Ambang Asuhan Jepun – a special preparatory programme for entering Japanese universities – was conferred the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays and Rosette for promoting Japanese language education and study in his 30 years in Malaysia.