KUALA LUMPUR: The relationship between the United States and Malaysia has grown stronger, with cooperation between the two countries expanding significantly across multiple levels marked by high-level visits, deeper strategic engagement and more open dialogue on complex regional issues.
Outgoing US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said bilateral ties are now more dynamic and candid.
"I'm very proud of the fact that the US-Malaysia relationship is much better now than it was in December 2023 when I arrived. Both sides now speak much more candidly on a much broader range of issues," he said on 'The Nation' on Bernama TV on Thursday (Feb 12).
He cited Malaysia's Asean chairmanship and the visit by the US President Donald Trump in October 2025 as major milestones during his tenure.
"Any visit by a President is a very big deal for an ambassador," he said, describing the visit as recognition of Malaysia's importance within Asean.
Kagan praised Malaysian human capital and talents as the country's greatest strengths, attributing this to the country's multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, which gives its people early exposure to diverse cultures and languages.
During the interview, he also reflected his positive experience and fondness for Malaysia.
"It's been a tremendous privilege to be able to represent the United States here," he said.
He said that having served in Malaysia on two separate tours made leaving the country particularly difficult.
"I'm heartbroken. This is my second time going through this, and it was really hard leaving the first time. It's even harder the second time.
"We've loved Malaysia. We have had such incredible experiences here. Professionally, it has been both immensely challenging and immensely rewarding. So it's very hard to leave," he said.
Kagan also spoke warmly about what he described as the Malaysian "can-lah" spirit.
"When there's something that needs to be done, the response is almost always 'can-lah'," he said, adding that Malaysians are willing to work together even when there are differences of opinion.
Reflecting on personal experiences, he recounted participating in Thaipusam at Batu Caves, where he walked barefoot and carried milk up the steps.
"Seeing that was so moving, and being part of it – walking barefoot up the steps, carrying milk – I felt I was part of a tradition," he said.
He noted that the celebration brought together Malaysians from different backgrounds.
"It was overwhelmingly Indians, but there were some Malays, there were some Chinese who were in the crowd and it made me feel really good," he said.
Kagan will conclude his tour of duty in Malaysia on Feb 15, bringing to a close a remarkable 35-year career as a diplomat. – Bernama
