Mission: Finding an all-around skilled ambassador

Suited to the job: ‘What is important is that the head of mission must be someone with calibre who is able to tackle bilateral ties between Malaysia and the new US administration,’ says Mohamad Hasan, addressing speculation about the important post of Malaysian ambassador to the US. — Filepic/The Star

IT is common knowledge that it is a reward and privilege for a non-career diplomat to be appointed as an ambassador representing his or her country. Over the years, Malaysia has seen former ministers in the role, like the late Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat and Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis who were posted to Jakarta and Washington DC respectively.

Mohamed was made an ambassador with ministerial rank while Jamaluddin, who was still a serving MP, was sent to Washington as a special envoy.