ON Monday, 15 ambassadors received their credentials from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara. It was one of the biggest groups of envoys to be granted an audience in one go in recent years.
Before leaving for their respective postings, these heads of mission will familiarise themselves with the latest government policies through briefings with the relevant ministries and ministers. One of the highlights will be a session with the Prime Minister at his office in Putrajaya.
With so much global uncertainty and the challenges that come with it, the traditional role of an ambassador is changing. It is no longer purely about diplomacy, and it requires more work to attract investments and promote trade. Who else can better express these tasks to the envoys than the Prime Minister himself.
After meeting them on Wed-nesday, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in a Facebook posting that he wants Malaysian diplomats to continue strengthening the nation’s economic diplomacy capabilities, particularly in attracting trade and high-quality investments, and exploring strategic cooperation opportunities capable of empowering sustainable national economic growth.
“I touched on the fact that the role of a diplomat demands more than merely mastering protocol and official relations between countries, it also requires a deep understanding of history, culture, political systems, and the nuances of local communities so that every form of engagement can be carried out more effectively and meaningfully.
“I also stressed the importance of continuous efforts to guide and empower the younger generation of diplomats so that they possess broad knowledge, sharp thinking, and the ability to face increasingly challenging and complex global geopolitical and economic developments,” he said.
It is a tall order for these envoys amid the Madani government’s efforts to cut costs and optimise resources. When tabling the 2025 Budget Anwar said the Public Service Department (PSD) and Wisma Putra had identified that 64 out of 126 overseas offices were not operating under one roof. These offices – involving Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) and Mida (Malaysian Investment Development Authority), and the Tourism and Agriculture ministries – would be relocated to the same premises as Malaysian missions. We understand the process, carried out by the PSD, has already begun.
Several weeks ago, Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican issued a memo instructing ministries, departments, and agencies to re-prioritise spending and submit operating expenditure savings proposals amid the Middle East and energy crisis.
Malaysian missions abroad already face financial strain, including the requirement to get HQ approval for official travel networking outside their capital and for taking officers along to such meetings.
The watikah (credential) bears the King’s signature and is presented to the leader of the receiving state, extending Malaysia’s desire to maintain a good relationship and understanding between two countries. An ambassador is the emissary of the Head of State, that is, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.
It is a heavy responsibility. One thing ambassadors must bear in mind is loyalty to the country and maintaining the best behaviour at all times. Over the years I have heard reports of misconduct involving all levels, including the recall of diplomats and ambassadors over grievous acts.
For young diplomats getting their first foreign assignments, it can be nerve-wracking, especially when they have to report to a very senior ambassador.
Each country to which these diplomats are assigned presents unique challenges. Networking and engaging with locals is always a good start for diplomats even at the junior level.
“With the current geopolitics, the role of diplomats is more than traditional, now it is more economic diplomacy. Perhaps Malaysia needs to reassess certain policies because of the fast changing world.
“Maybe we need to recalibrate with a clear eye on our interests,” said a diplomat.
Which brings up the oft raised question of the need for Malaysia to have so many missions.
There are more than 100 to date. Do we still need that many? How many are really contributing to the country’s trade and investment goals? How are their successes measured? Is the current government looking into this? Does having fewer missions mean our outreach will be less?
In the meantime, for the men and women diplomats out there, being selected as an ambassador comes with a heavy load of responsibilities.
For first-time ambassadors, it is a new chapter. You’ve reached a high-point in your career – but don’t sit on your laurels, get out there and pursue Malaysian interests with tenacity and perseverance. And what you learn at your assignment about best practices of the host country should be shared back home for improvement of our policies. You become the eyes and ears of our government.
Everything falls on the head of mission and the ambassador must communicate matters of national interest with headquarters and vice versa. Behind the scenes, these men and women carry out their tasks without asking too many questions. Being a civil servant also restricts them in many ways.
Most Malaysians see the glamorous side of diplomatic work, which many envy. Yet, sometimes our diplomats are at the beck and call of Malaysians who style themselves as the privileged ones, especially those who are linked to politicians in public office. They, and every Malaysian, should remember where we all run to when we get in trouble overseas.
Flying the Jalur Gemilang abroad comes with a lot of pride and patriotism.
