ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat

Volume 1 2015

ISSN 2289-1277

ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat

Aman was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Foreign Ministers and senior officials of other ASEAN Member States as well as the Secretary-General of ASEAN and senior officials from the ASEAN Secre- tariat in Jakarta attended the retreat.

The retreat was an informal platform for Foreign Ministers to exchange views on various issues as well as to The year 2015 will be recorded as a of ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings follow up on the decisions made by historic year for Malaysia and ASEAN. and other Related Meetings under Ma- the Leaders during the 25th ASEAN It is Malaysia’s fourth Chairmanship of laysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN in Summit held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. ASEAN since the association’s esta- 2015. Among important issues highlighted blishment in 1967. Malaysia officially during the retreat were Malaysia’s took over the chairmanship from The retreat was held from 27 to 28 priorities as Chairman of ASEAN, Myanmar on 1 January 2015 for a January 2015 at the Sutera Harbour ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 period of one year amid high expecta- Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The Vision and its Attendant Documents tions. The chairmanship of ASEAN retreat was preceded by several other and South China Sea. In light of the 2015 will mark Malaysia’s leading role preparatory meetings, namely, Meet- growing threat of radicalism and in the realisation of the ASEAN Com- ing of the Committee of Permanent violent extremism across the globe, munity and in developing the commu- Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), the Foreign Ministers issued a State- nity’s Post-2015 Vision. Under the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) ment condemning the violence and theme, Our Vision, Our Community, and 4th ASEAN Coordinating Council brutality committed by the so-called Our People, Malaysia strives to steer Working Group Meeting (ACCWG) on Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria, ASEAN closer to the peoples of ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 particularly on the apparent barbaric Southeast Asia by making it part of Vision. beheading of a Japanese citizen. their daily lives and by creating a truly Malaysia also took the opportunity to People-Centred ASEAN. The Malaysian delegation to the propose for ASEAN to revisit the retreat was led by Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji proposal for an ASEAN Common Time The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat Aman, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Zone which was first mooted by the (AMM Retreat) was the first in a series of Malaysia. Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Leaders in 1995.

Continued to page 3

CONTENTS Find us on 1 ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat Facebook 2-3 Profile of Prominent Person 4-6 Forum 7-13 News 14-19 In and Around IDFR 20-32 News

DIPLOMATIC VOICE

Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Aman hosted a also held on the sidelines of the retreat With the success of the retreat, Malay- Welcome Dinner in honour of ASEAN from 24 to 26 January 2015 at Suria sia needs to double its efforts to Foreign Ministers and Delegates on 27 Mall in Kota Kinabalu. The Opening ensure the success of other important January 2015 at the Magellan Sutera Ceremony was officiated by Datuk ASEAN meetings during its chairman- Harbour Resort. The guest of honour Othman Hashim, Secretary-General of ship this year. at the dinner was the Chief Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25 Sabah, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman. January 2015. This programme was Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Aman also hosted made possible with the cooperation of lunch in honour of ASEAN Foreign the Secretariat of the Council for Ministers, ASEAN Secretary-General, Anti-Trafficking in Persons, Ministry of ASEAN SOM Leaders and Deputy Home Affairs and the Department of Secretary-General of ASEAN on 28 Information Sabah. January 2015 at Gayana Eco Resort, Malohom Bay, Gaya Island. Overall, the retreat was a success. The Foreign Ministers and Senior Officials Apart from that, an Outreach and had a substantive and fruitful discus- Public Diplomacy programme was sion on issues of common concern. PROFILE OF PROMINENT PERSON

Tan Sri Ab. Kadir Mohamad Former Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

2 [email protected] Aman was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Foreign Ministers and senior officials of other ASEAN Member States as well as the Secretary-General of ASEAN and senior officials from the ASEAN Secre- tariat in Jakarta attended the retreat.

The retreat was an informal platform for Foreign Ministers to exchange views on various issues as well as to The year 2015 will be recorded as a of ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings follow up on the decisions made by historic year for Malaysia and ASEAN. and other Related Meetings under Ma- the Leaders during the 25 ASEAN It is Malaysia’s fourth Chairmanship of laysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN in Summit held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. ASEAN since the association’s esta- 2015. Among important issues highlighted blishment in 1967. Malaysia officially during the retreat were Malaysia’s took over the chairmanship from The retreat was held from 27 to 28 priorities as Chairman of ASEAN, Myanmar on 1 January 2015 for a January 2015 at the Sutera Harbour ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 period of one year amid high expecta- Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The Vision and its Attendant Documents tions. The chairmanship of ASEAN retreat was preceded by several other and South China Sea. In light of the 2015 will mark Malaysia’s leading role preparatory meetings, namely, Meet- growing threat of radicalism and in the realisation of the ASEAN Com- ing of the Committee of Permanent violent extremism across the globe, munity and in developing the commu- Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), the Foreign Ministers issued a State- nity’s Post-2015 Vision. Under the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) ment condemning the violence and theme, Our Vision, Our Community, and 4 ASEAN Coordinating Council brutality committed by the so-called Our People, Malaysia strives to steer Working Group Meeting (ACCWG) on Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria, ASEAN closer to the peoples of ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 particularly on the apparent barbaric Southeast Asia by making it part of Vision. beheading of a Japanese citizen. their daily lives and by creating a truly Malaysia also took the opportunity to People-Centred ASEAN. The Malaysian delegation to the propose for ASEAN to revisit the retreat was led by Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji proposal for an ASEAN Common Time The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat Aman, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Zone which was first mooted by the (AMM Retreat) was the first in a series of Malaysia. Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Leaders in 1995.

PROFILE OF PROMINENT PERSON

Q. You recently wrote a book titled Affairs, which is to protect and skills to become the only Asian candi- seats in the UNSC and the ICAO Malaysia-Singapore Fifty Years of promote Malaysia’s national interest date to fill the Asian Group quota for should closely coordinate their efforts Contentions 1965-2015. What was the with regard to sovereignty, security, the 2015/2016 term. Then Malaysia to attain an urgent international purpose of writing it? international politics and global had to exhaust its diplomacy to secure consensus on this vital matter. economics. IDFR’s success will be the required number of votes from A. First, to present a Malaysian per- measured by how well it prepares member states in the General Assem- Tan Sri Ab. Kadir Mohamad was born in Kampung Pagar, Pahang on 3 July spective on the main issues which students in strategic thinking, planning bly to finally secure the seat. These 1943. He attended Malay School caused various setbacks in the rela- and execution of these primary supporters will expect Malaysia to Penjom (1950-52), Clifford School Kuala Lipis (1953-60), Malay College tions between Malaysia and Singa- functions of diplomacy. No doubt perform credibly as a Council member. Kuala Kangsar (1961-62) and the pore ever since Singapore became an IDFR must also train officers to be When Malaysia served in the Council University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (1964-67) where he graduated with independent and sovereign country in good at carrying out other tasks such in the past, we were noted for taking B.A Hons. in Political Science in 1968. He was later 1965. I decided to write my book after as personnel management, providing balanced and principled positions on conferred by the University with the degree of having read more than a dozen consular services, carrying out proto- international peace and security Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa in 1999. writings on the same subject emana- col duties and implementing public issues debated inside or voted upon in He joined the Malaysia Foreign Service in 1968. He ting from the Singapore side, as re- diplomacy. All these tasks, however, the Council. It would be wise to main- served in various capacities in Malaysian diplomatic missions overseas in New York, Saigon, Brussels, flected in the bibliography of my book. selves in the mirror from time to time”. to personnel constraints, both in terms are house-keeping matters of the tain that approach. Nonetheless, this Washington and Islamabad as well as at home in the Unfortunately, those words have been of numbers and quality. Appropriate Ministry which require efficient perfor- time around Malaysia should also Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was appointed Secretary General of the Ministry (1996-2001); Second, by narrating in some detail misinterpreted by the media to solutions must be found for this mances more than anything else. work hard to leave an imprint for the Ambassador-at-Large MFA (2001-2003); Senior what actually happened before, I hope suggest that Malaysia was at fault serious logistical problem. The Minis- IDFR’s basic responsibility is to deliver good name of the country and for the Advisor MFA East Timor (2001-2003); Advisor for fellow Malaysians will be able to some of the time. Actually, Tun Abdul- try, as the lead national agency at the graduates who are creative and benefit of the international community. Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister of Malaysia (2003-2009); and Advisor at the National Security identify where our side could have lah meant to subtly remind Malaysians international level, must be more innovative, capable of accurate analy- A subject matter which is sufficiently Council Secretariat Prime Minister’s Department done better in the past and decide not to repeat the mistakes they had proactive and preemptive in all ses, and then making recommenda- non-partisan and non-controversial for (2010-2013). how we should act in the future in made in their dealings with Singapore matters. tions on what is best for the country in Malaysia to pursue would be the He was also the Leader of the Malaysian Team/Agent terms of protecting and promoting the for the past fifty years. For the future, I the realm of international relations. implementation of real-time aircraft of Malaysia at the International Court of Justice in the Case Concerning Sovereignty Over Pulau Ligitan national interest. have written the following words in the Q. As a former Secretary General of tracking and sharing of information and Pulau Sipadan (Malaysia/Indonesia) 2001; and in postscript of my book: “In their bilate- the Ministry, what do you think are the Q. What are your thoughts on Malaysia pertaining to flight risks, having in the Case Concerning Sovereignty Over Pedra I hope my book will also enable both ral engagements with Singapore in the mind the aviation disasters in 2014 Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South critical skills that our young diplomats winning the Non-Permanent Member Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore) 2008. sides to reflect on the past in order to next fifty years, Malaysian negotiators need to develop to ensure the effec- seat in the United Nations Security which affected the country deeply. No be able to manage the future more may need to think and act exactly like tiveness of our country’s foreign Council for 2015-2016? doubt this is principally a matter under Published writings by Kadir Mohamad: (i) 1975: Abandon Mission Saigon, a short story inside effectively. All the subject matters their Singaporean counterparts. If that policy? the purview of the International Civil Number One Wisma Putra, IDFR 2006; (ii) Abdullah highlighted in my book – water, Batu is the only way to arrive at livable A. Most member states of the world Aviation (ICAO) Organisation. But the Ahmad Badawi and Malaysian Diplomacy, an article inside Profiles of Malaysia’s Foreign Ministers, IDFR Puteh, Pulau Pisang, railway land, solutions, so be it. Special circum- A. The best diplomats are those most body covet having a term as a UNSC can exert much influence on 2009: (iii) Malaysia’s Territorial Disputes -Two Cases causeway/bridge, land reclamation, stances require exceptional responses”. knowledgeable about international non-permanent member in the United the same subject especially as one of at the ICJ, a book published by IDFR 2009; (iv) defence – are not dead issues. Malay- matters. This includes knowing a lot Nations Security Council (UNSC). the tragedies occurred over a war Malaysia-Singapore Fifty Years of Contentions 1965-2015, a book published by The Other Press, sia and Singapore can start the next Q. As former Advisor on Foreign about history and having extensive Malaysia had to use all its persuasion zone. Malaysian officials manning our Kuala Lumpur 2015. fifty years by ensuring that matters still Affairs to Tun Abdullah Ahmad background data concerning particu- outstanding relating to, or emanating Badawi, the fifth Prime Minister, how lar issues. The best negotiators are from, these issues are handled do you think the Ministry can enhance those with good information about all Continued from page 1 correctly for the good of both coun- Malaysia’s foreign policy? aspects of the subject matter to be tries. negotiated. There is no short cut Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Aman hosted a also held on the sidelines of the retreat With the success of the retreat, Malay- A. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards acquiring these attributes Welcome Dinner in honour of ASEAN from 24 to 26 January 2015 at Suria sia needs to double its efforts to Q. In terms of Malaysia-Singapore should not wait for issues to arise except through extensive research Foreign Ministers and Delegates on 27 Mall in Kota Kinabalu. The Opening ensure the success of other important relations, what are some of the lessons before recommending the national and reading. A good command of January 2015 at the Magellan Sutera Ceremony was officiated by Datuk ASEAN meetings during its chairman- that Malaysia should learn from the policy positions for adoption by the languages, especially the English Harbour Resort. The guest of honour Othman Hashim, Secretary-General of ship this year. past for the betterment of the two government. The Ministry should be language, is also necessary for writing at the dinner was the Chief Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25 countries’ relationship? thinking ahead all the time and strate- strategic analyses and for conducting Sabah, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman. January 2015. This programme was gizing the national posture on bilateral, face-to-face negotiations. Attentive Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Aman also hosted made possible with the cooperation of A. Regarding the past, the most regional as well as multilateral and reading will also help in developing lunch in honour of ASEAN Foreign the Secretariat of the Council for important lesson was conveyed by other international issues. The mini- these language skills. Ministers, ASEAN Secretary-General, Anti-Trafficking in Persons, Ministry of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his mum objective is to prevent the coun- ASEAN SOM Leaders and Deputy Home Affairs and the Department of speech when he made reference to try falling on the wrong side of issues. Q. In your opinion, what can IDFR do Secretary-General of ASEAN on 28 Information Sabah. and launched my book on 4 February The maximum objective is to enable to enhance the training of our diplomats? January 2015 at Gayana Eco Resort, 2015. On that occasion, he said: “We the country to benefit from any emer- Malohom Bay, Gaya Island. Overall, the retreat was a success. The Malaysians cannot blame Singa- ging situation. In recent years, the A. IDFR must clearly identify and make Foreign Ministers and Senior Officials poreans totally for all these bilateral Ministry had been managing issues its trainees comprehend the core Apart from that, an Outreach and had a substantive and fruitful discus- problems. We must also look at our- very much on a day-to-day basis due business of the Ministry of Foreign Public Diplomacy programme was sion on issues of common concern.

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 3 FORUM

Speech by Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat Welcome Dinner

The Honorable Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah,

Your Royal Highness,

Distinguished ASEAN Colleagues,

Excellency Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, allow me to extend a very warm welcome to you and to all delegates to Kota Kinabalu for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat. Selamat Datang or as in Sabah we dispense with and I use the word ahead. With this huge task ahead of say Kopivosian which means “duty” with extreme fondness. I take us, we must continue to work together, welcome. this opportunity to warmly congratu- as we always have, in the spirit of late my dear friend and colleague, friendship and togetherness, as one I am indeed extremely pleased that it Excellency U Wunna Maung Lwin, the community. is now finally my turn to have the Foreign Minister of Myanmar, as well opportunity to host all of you in Malay- as to commend the Government and Despite our schedule, which I would sia. It gives me a wonderful opportu- people of Myanmar, for the incredible like to imagine is not a particularly nity to return in small measure the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2014. Your heavy one, I hope colleagues will take kind, generous and extremely warm excellent stewardship of our Associa- the opportunity of being here to hospitality that many of you have tion and the unstinting efforts you explore and enjoy the experiences that accorded to the Malaysian delegation expended in further advancing the this city has to offer. Kota Kinabalu is and to me personally, during previous ASEAN agenda last year is indeed close to the beach, with white sandy ASEAN Meetings. highly commendable. beaches, tropical rainforests, beautiful islands, and of course, Mount Kinaba- I would also like to take this opportuni- Excellencies, Ladies and Gentleman, lu, to which the city owes its name. ty to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Sabah State Malaysia is deeply honoured to take But for this evening, let us relax and Government, and in particular to the the helm of the ASEAN Chairmanship enjoy ourselves amongst friends and Chief Minister of Sabah, the Hono- this year. We are mindful of the good company. I believe the Sabah rable Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, for challenges ahead of us in the coming State Government has arranged a graciously offering to host this ASEAN months, which will see key ASEAN special cultural presentation for our Foreign Ministers’ Retreat. aspirations come to fruition. Never one entertainment this evening, so let’s let to rest on our laurels, ASEAN will set our hair down and have a good time. It is the first meeting in our calendar for our sights on yet bigger aspirations for 2015 and I had wanted to welcome all the years to come. On that note, let me once again of you to my home state, which is the welcome all of you to Malaysia, to closest approximation I could muster In this regard, 2015 will no doubt be Sabah and to our first ASEAN Meeting to inviting you to my own house. a historic and deeply meaningful year for this year. I hope we will have a Therefore, Datuk Seri Musa’s gracious for all of us. Decades of regional meaningful year ahead and for this offer to host this meeting in Kota integration efforts will finally culminate evening, a relaxing one. Kinabalu has in fact given me my first in the establishment of an ASEAN wish for the year! Thank you, Datuk Community by the end of the year. Terima kasih! Seri Musa. Tomorrow, I will share with you Malay- Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, sia’s priorities for 2015. I look forward to having a full and frank exchange of Before I proceed any further, there is a views on how we can move the pleasant “duty” I would like to ASEAN agenda forward in the months

4 [email protected] FORUM FORUM

ASEAN Post-2015: A New Vision for the ASEAN Secretariat 1 By Natalie Shobana Ambrose

It has been 48 years since the forma- which make up ASEAN +3 and ASEAN that the grouping should not move at tion of the Association of Southeast +6 groupings. the speed of the slowest. Asian Nations (ASEAN) on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the This is a positive sign and a notewor- For a grouping with the second-fastest signing of the ASEAN Declaration thy achievement for an organisation growing economy in Asia26, and a GDP (Bangkok Declaration) by the five that was founded at a time where that has multiplied many times over founding countries – Indonesia, Ma- member states were recovering from (300 per cent since 2001 to be exact), laysia, Philippines, Singapore and post-World War Two colonization and it is necessary that its Secretariat have Thailand. Since then, there have been enjoying the first fruits of a flourishing the resources, mandate and talent it 13 Secretary Generals who have led economy. needs to address the needs that come the ASEAN Secretariat and at present, with ASEAN’s growing prominence, Le Luong Minh of Vietnam is the The significance of the growing its wider mandate and increased acti- current Sec-Gen. influence and power of the grouping vities. places greater responsibility and The chairmanship which technically2 pressure on its nerve centre – the Strengthening the Nerve Centre rotates annually based on the alpha- ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC). The Se- betical order of the English names of cretariat based in Jakarta was set up Part of the ASEAN Secretariat’s vision27 Member States has done so 29 times in February 1976 by the Foreign Minis- is to be a globally respected centre, making this the fourth time Malaysia ters of ASEAN24 . Its most basic func- and to be able to realise this vision, the has had the privilege of being Chair. tion is to provide for greater efficiency secretariat needs to be strengthened. This Chairmanship however is particu- in the coordination of ASEAN organs While there are multiple high level task larly significant as 2015 marks the and for more effective implementation forces in place, in particular the High realisation of the ASEAN Community. of ASEAN projects and activities. Its Level Task Force on Strengthening the mission is to initiate, facilitate and ASEAN Secretariat and Reviewing the With Growing Power and Influence coordinate ASEAN stakeholder colla- ASEAN Organs (HLTF), studies being Comes Greater Responsibility boration in realising the principles of conducted and consultants hired, ASEAN as reflected in the ASEAN ultimately the mandate to strengthen ASEAN has come a long way since its charter. But with a budget of US$17 ASEC lies not with the Secretary inception. Envisaged as a unifying, million in 2014 that has since in- General or Secretariat but with the stabilising organisation in the mid 60’s, creased by US$2 million in 2015, it is member states and heads of govern- it has evolved beyond what the found- still a marginal amount for an organisa- ments. From the perspective of the ing fathers had envisioned it to be. tion of its standing. ASEAN way of consensus decision- Today there are more than one thou- making processes, this makes a lot of sand ASEAN-related meetings and the To add some perspective, the Europe- sense but to truly strengthen the grouping has not only grown from the an Union, though not an accurate Secretariat, a more inclusive decision- original five members to ten mem- comparison25, spends six per cent of making process needs to take prece- bers23 but has also garnered influence its annual budget on staff, administra- dence. to bring together at least 27 nations tion and maintenance of its buildings. together through various meetings There are 33,000 people employed by Attracting Top Talent including the ASEAN Regional Forum, the European Commission compara- East Asian Summit and other signifi- tively to the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) The general theory is that proportion- cant meetings. which has an employee roster of 300, ate compensation attracts, retains and of which at least 200 are professional motivates employees. While the bud- It is not surprising then that there is a staff. Not only is staff strength limited, get increase of US$2 million has growing list of countries that have the Secretariat building which has contributed to a salary raise for ASEC requested to be more engaged with been creatively partitioned to house staff in the past year, the new salary ASEAN, the most recent being the various divisions is bursting at the scale pales in comparison to other Norway, Ecuador, North Korea and seams and guilty of overcrowding. multilateral organisations within the Mongolia who have requested a more region. To put this in perspective, the significant and recognised relationship While ASEC resources are limited to annual salary for Junior Professionals with the regional grouping following ensure that smaller, developing eco- (lowest ranking international staff) with countries with existing formal partner- nomies within the grouping are able to the Asian Development Bank ranges ships such as Australia, China, afford the equal contribution amount between US$75,800 and US$91,00028 Canada, European Union, New Zea- and to ensure no member state has compared to the annual starting salary land, South Korea, India and Japan additional influence, many have noted of approximately US$40,000 for the

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 5 FORUM

Senior Officer position (lowest ranking to strengthen the recruitment process questions and challenges facing the regional staff recruit) with the ASEAN and to adopt a competitive salary grouping is important and is presently On 12 February 2015, IDFR together equitable economic development and (MNP). MNP Agreement makes allo- Secretariat. This might explain why scheme which in turn will attract high lacking. with the World Trade Institute and Uni- a region fully integrated into the global wances only for temporary entry of wealthier ASEAN countries, such as calibre talent to provide the necessary versiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) economy. skilled workers, professionals, execu- Brunei and Singapore, have very few leadership needed to assume in- Developing and strengthening a re- jointly organised a panel discussion tives and it is also limited to business nationals working at the Secretariat creased authority. search arm will enable the ASEAN under the Economic Diplomacy Series Datuk Ravidran also cleared doubts for visitors and contractual service supp- while at the same time the CLMV Secretariat to centralise and preserve 1/2015 with the theme, The ASEAN those who thought that ASEAN is liers. The MNP agreement does not grouping are hard-pressed to produce One avenue to ensure top ranked institutional memory. At present, Economic Community (AEC): Making European Union (EU) in the making. permit permanent entry to those candidates for openly recruited candidates are recruited and retained institutional knowledge and human the AEC a Success. The event was Under the AEC, each member state searching employment and unskilled positions. is to establish a Young Professionals repositories are lost when people graced by Dato’ Hamzah Zainudin, will maintain its own currency and labour. The GATS model is unlike the Programme which recruits those move on, be it for a new job, relocate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. retain its national sovereignty, unlike EU and NAFTA model that makes pro- While the job requirements listed skilled in areas relevant to ASEAN or retire. The different pillars and the EU that trades using a common vision for everybody in the member under the advertised vacancies sets operations which will allow them to organs also tend to work in silos cau- The panel discussants were Dato’ currency and has Brussels as the states to move freely within the mem- high standards, not every hire is gain valuable on-the-job experience sing a lack of information share. Ano- Muhamad Noor Yacob, Chairman of central control for the EU. ber states to secure jobs or do bu- measured by the same yardstick and help new recruits gain a broad ther drawback is that due to restric- Malaysia Automotive Institute as the siness freely. because the calibre of candidates who overview of ASEAN and its secretari- tions in resources, time and mandate, moderator and three panelists, name- In his concluding remarks, Datuk Ravi- apply often enough fall short of the at’s policies and work. partnerships with familiar institutions ly, Datuk P. Ravidran, Senior Director dran mentioned that Malaysia has The next important aspect that Dr. stated requirements. continue to dominate. of ASEAN Economic Cooperation Di- implemented almost 85.5 per cent or Sufian elaborated on was the ASEAN Developing an Effective Research and vision, Ministry of International Trade 372 out of 435 measures under phase Comprehensive Investment Agree- Conversely the pressures to quickly Communications Division It is important to note that besides the and Industry (MITI), Associate Profes- I to III and 43.8 per cent or 95 out of ment (ACIA). The ACIA is an ASEAN replace staff due to the high turnover Economic Research Institute for sor Dr. Sufian Jusoh, Distinguished 217 targeted measures under phase instrument that aims to enhance the rate within ASEC is immense, forcing Not only are ASEAN member states ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) which Fellow of IDFR and Mr. Fahmi Rais, IV. The total measures for Malaysia is attractiveness of the ASEAN region as less qualified and under experienced politically, economically and socially member states are heavily reliant on, Founder of the Aspirant Group Singa- higher than ASEAN as we include both a single investment destination. It is candidates to be recruited instead, diverse, the grouping runs on two there is a diverse network of think- pore and TAG Global Communication ASEAN-wide and country-specific expected to result in a more conducive which affects the quality of work different economic and development tanks that work in partnership through Malaysia. measures. business environment, encourage in- produced and discredits the recruit- tracks between founding and newer the ASEAN-ISIS network of think vestors who are not yet in ASEAN to ment process. members. The grouping, through its tanks 9 whose expertise ASEAN can The objective of this panel discussion The panel discussion continued with do business in the region, provide engagement with multiple dialogue tap into. These think tanks, though was to discuss the various efforts Associate Professor Dr. Sufian Jusoh greater confidence among current in- While it is easy to blame low salaries partners, also operates at different bound by a common objective of undertaken by ASEAN and Malaysia as who spoke on The ASEAN Economic vestors in the region to continue and for not attracting top talent, it is equal- levels and through multitrack diploma- fostering regional cooperation and the chair for ASEAN in 2015 to pro- Community: Views from the Ground. expand their investments, and increa- ly important that the work promised is cy channels. Such diverse interaction peace, can be divided into three broad mote and realise the ASEAN Economic He focused on two main issues which se intra-ASEAN investment through stimulating. While job postings set out creates an ideal environment that categories: government, independent Community (AEC) 2015. The discourse are very important under the AEC – the liberalisation of five main sectors, to attract high calibre candidates, the allows for an exchange of ideas, and hybrid, and have been at the also aimed to identify the success Services and Investment. namely, facturing, agriculture, fishery, job itself should be challenging and knowledge and research. It can also forefront of regional affairs and Track 2 factors and challenges to the AEC in its forestry, and mining and quarrying. engaging enough to retain quality serve to support the Initiative for diplomacy. implementation of initiatives to achieve Associate Professor Dr. Sufian began candidates. While the general as- ASEAN Integration (IAI) and Narrowing an ASEAN single market and produc- by stating that the ASEAN Framework In his concluding remarks, Dr. Sufian sumption that working in multilateral the Development Gap (NDG) – the two Such collaboration efforts will streng- tion base, discuss opportunities and Agreement on Services (AFAS) was mentioned that the awareness of the organisations demands high quality specific ASEAN’s frameworks that then the current output of the secreta- limitations for business and investing signed by ASEAN Economic Ministers AEC is still very low among member research, allows for informed input recognise the value of addressing sub riat thus facilitating public understand- communities in leveraging upon the on 15 December 1995 in Bangkok, states and investors. There are many and requires strategic thinking from regional issues to support ASEAN- ing of policies and the work of the AEC. Thailand. The objectives of AFAS were aspects that need to be looked into if employees as listed in ASEC openly wide goals. Secretariat and grouping. These colla- to facilitate the establishment of free the AEC is going to be achieved by the recruited staff (ORS) job postings, the borative efforts would supplement the The first panelist, Datuk P. Ravidran flow of services in the AEC by 2015, end of 2015. In order to draw in more Secretariat mandate is rather limiting At present, there is a deficiency in thinking process providing ideas and gave an overview of the AEC. The AEC eliminate substantial barriers to trade investors into ASEAN or even intra- placing greater emphasis on secretari- research and evidence based policy emerging problems into policy issues is one of the three pillars to achieve a in services, improve efficiency and ASEAN, there should be harmonisation al services of minutes writing, meeting making within the region and grouping and can serve as an informed voice cohesive ASEAN Community. The competitiveness of ASEAN services of ASEAN investment laws and pro- organisation and serving as a resource which warrants an increased empha- which builds confidence with various population of ASEAN is about 625 mil- and liberalise trade in services through cedures at a certain level. person recollecting decisions of past sis to develop expertise and know- stakeholders. lion consisting of relatively young progressive liberalisation. ASEAN meetings, making it difficult to ledge upon which sound policy people with growing spending power. The third speaker, Mr. Fahmi Rais who retain and motivate top talent. decisions can be made. Having a Apart from that, it is important to build The other two pillars are ASEAN Liberalisation of services under the is a businessman and wants to expand platform, focal point and one-stop the skills of staff in research mana- Political-Security Community and AEC undertakes the General Agree- his business in ASEAN, gave his Such issues highlight the need for a centre that collates and standardises gement which will also allow for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. ment on Trade in Services (GATS) opinion and voiced some of his Secretariat that is equipped and data, churns out analysis, and provi- ASEC to produce substantial value Model of World Trade Organisation concerns based on personal ex- prepared to carry out ASEAN’s post- des policy-makers, stakeholders, added publications that will in turn The AEC is made up of four important (WTO), which allows for a free move- perience. He stated that as an ASEAN 2015 agenda and vision efficiently. decision makers and the public with create greater profile of the grouping pillars – a single market and produc- ment of professionals and business business citizen, he wants to be able to useful, pragmatic, action-oriented and Secretariat. It would also develop tion base, a highly competitive eco- person as agreed upon in the Move- tap into the nearest market and be able In order to do so, there is a deep need recommendations to address issues, good research governance, increase nomic competition region, a region of ment of Natural Persons Agreement to receive more privileges and be- Continued to page 30

6 [email protected]

Economic Diplomacy Series 1/2015 The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): Making the AEC a Success

On 12 February 2015, IDFR together equitable economic development and (MNP). MNP Agreement makes allo- with the World Trade Institute and Uni- a region fully integrated into the global wances only for temporary entry of versiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) economy. skilled workers, professionals, execu- jointly organised a panel discussion tives and it is also limited to business under the Economic Diplomacy Series Datuk Ravidran also cleared doubts for visitors and contractual service supp- 1/2015 with the theme, The ASEAN those who thought that ASEAN is liers. The MNP agreement does not Economic Community (AEC): Making European Union (EU) in the making. permit permanent entry to those the AEC a Success. The event was Under the AEC, each member state searching employment and unskilled graced by Dato’ Hamzah Zainudin, will maintain its own currency and labour. The GATS model is unlike the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. retain its national sovereignty, unlike EU and NAFTA model that makes pro- the EU that trades using a common vision for everybody in the member The panel discussants were Dato’ currency and has Brussels as the states to move freely within the mem- Muhamad Noor Yacob, Chairman of central control for the EU. ber states to secure jobs or do bu- Malaysia Automotive Institute as the siness freely. moderator and three panelists, name- In his concluding remarks, Datuk Ravi- ly, Datuk P. Ravidran, Senior Director dran mentioned that Malaysia has The next important aspect that Dr. of ASEAN Economic Cooperation Di- implemented almost 85.5 per cent or Sufian elaborated on was the ASEAN vision, Ministry of International Trade 372 out of 435 measures under phase Comprehensive Investment Agree- and Industry (MITI), Associate Profes- I to III and 43.8 per cent or 95 out of ment (ACIA). The ACIA is an ASEAN sor Dr. Sufian Jusoh, Distinguished 217 targeted measures under phase instrument that aims to enhance the Fellow of IDFR and Mr. Fahmi Rais, IV. The total measures for Malaysia is attractiveness of the ASEAN region as Founder of the Aspirant Group Singa- higher than ASEAN as we include both a single investment destination. It is pore and TAG Global Communication ASEAN-wide and country-specific expected to result in a more conducive Malaysia. measures. business environment, encourage investors who are not yet in ASEAN to The objective of this panel discussion The panel discussion continued with do business in the region, provide was to discuss the various efforts Associate Professor Dr. Sufian Jusoh greater confidence among current in- undertaken by ASEAN and Malaysia as who spoke on The ASEAN Economic vestors in the region to continue and the chair for ASEAN in 2015 to pro- Community: Views from the Ground. expand their investments, and increa- mote and realise the ASEAN Economic He focused on two main issues which se intra-ASEAN investment through Community (AEC) 2015. The discourse are very important under the AEC – the liberalisation of five main sectors, also aimed to identify the success Services and Investment. namely, facturing, agriculture, fishery, factors and challenges to the AEC in its forestry, and mining and quarrying. implementation of initiatives to achieve Associate Professor Dr. Sufian began an ASEAN single market and produc- by stating that the ASEAN Framework In his concluding remarks, Dr. Sufian tion base, discuss opportunities and Agreement on Services (AFAS) was mentioned that the awareness of the limitations for business and investing signed by ASEAN Economic Ministers AEC is still very low among member communities in leveraging upon the on 15 December 1995 in Bangkok, states and investors. There are many AEC. Thailand. The objectives of AFAS were aspects that need to be looked into if to facilitate the establishment of free the AEC is going to be achieved by the The first panelist, Datuk P. Ravidran flow of services in the AEC by 2015, end of 2015. In order to draw in more gave an overview of the AEC. The AEC eliminate substantial barriers to trade investors into ASEAN or even intra- is one of the three pillars to achieve a in services, improve efficiency and ASEAN, there should be harmonisation cohesive ASEAN Community. The competitiveness of ASEAN services of ASEAN investment laws and pro- population of ASEAN is about 625 mil- and liberalise trade in services through cedures at a certain level. lion consisting of relatively young progressive liberalisation. people with growing spending power. The third speaker, Mr. Fahmi Rais who The other two pillars are ASEAN Liberalisation of services under the is a businessman and wants to expand Political-Security Community and AEC undertakes the General Agree- his business in ASEAN, gave his ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. ment on Trade in Services (GATS) opinion and voiced some of his Model of World Trade Organisation concerns based on personal ex- The AEC is made up of four important (WTO), which allows for a free move- perience. He stated that as an ASEAN pillars – a single market and produc- ment of professionals and business business citizen, he wants to be able to tion base, a highly competitive eco- person as agreed upon in the Move- tap into the nearest market and be able nomic competition region, a region of ment of Natural Persons Agreement to receive more privileges and be-

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 7

nefits. He also uttered his concern that gested that every business registered are able to make sound judgement on the political condition of ASEAN in the country of origin within ASEAN the prospect of their business. He also member states should remain stable at member states should be registered reiterated that he will not venture to all times. with ASEAN as a suffix in a bracket – expand his business to another The Aspirant Group (ASEAN). This will country if both countries’ governments Mr. Fahmi gave some recommen- encourage more ASEAN born busi- are not in agreement. dations and suggestions to further im- nesses to go international and it is also prove and enhance business in for branding purposes. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Fahmi ASEAN. First, he suggested that ASE- suggested that ASEAN should come AN should have its own Intellec- Mr. Fahmi also suggested that the up with its own ASEAN passport and tual Property Protection law. This will government of the host country should that ASEAN should conduct courses to provide confidence not only among facilitate new businesses in their help member states to appreciate intra-ASEAN investors but could also country in obtaining the network re- each other’s values and cultures so attract more foreign direct investment quired as well as to be transparent in that we can all work together har- into ASEAN. There should also be delivering information on taxes, budget moniously and appreciate each other. more ASEAN brands and he sug- and incentives so that businessmen On 12 February 2015, IDFR together equitable economic development and (MNP). MNP Agreement makes allo- with the World Trade Institute and Uni- a region fully integrated into the global wances only for temporary entry of versiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) economy. skilled workers, professionals, execu- jointly organised a panel discussion tives and it is also limited to business under the Economic Diplomacy Series Datuk Ravidran also cleared doubts for visitors and contractual service supp- 1/2015 with the theme, The ASEAN those who thought that ASEAN is liers. The MNP agreement does not Economic Community (AEC): Making European Union (EU) in the making. permit permanent entry to those the AEC a Success. The event was Under the AEC, each member state searching employment and unskilled graced by Dato’ Hamzah Zainudin, will maintain its own currency and labour. The GATS model is unlike the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. retain its national sovereignty, unlike EU and NAFTA model that makes pro- the EU that trades using a common vision for everybody in the member The panel discussants were Dato’ currency and has Brussels as the states to move freely within the mem- Muhamad Noor Yacob, Chairman of central control for the EU. ber states to secure jobs or do bu- Malaysia Automotive Institute as the siness freely. moderator and three panelists, name- In his concluding remarks, Datuk Ravi- ly, Datuk P. Ravidran, Senior Director dran mentioned that Malaysia has The next important aspect that Dr. of ASEAN Economic Cooperation Di- implemented almost 85.5 per cent or Sufian elaborated on was the ASEAN vision, Ministry of International Trade 372 out of 435 measures under phase Comprehensive Investment Agree- and Industry (MITI), Associate Profes- I to III and 43.8 per cent or 95 out of ment (ACIA). The ACIA is an ASEAN sor Dr. Sufian Jusoh, Distinguished 217 targeted measures under phase instrument that aims to enhance the Fellow of IDFR and Mr. Fahmi Rais, IV. The total measures for Malaysia is attractiveness of the ASEAN region as Founder of the Aspirant Group Singa- higher than ASEAN as we include both a single investment destination. It is pore and TAG Global Communication ASEAN-wide and country-specific expected to result in a more conducive Malaysia. measures. business environment, encourage investors who are not yet in ASEAN to The objective of this panel discussion The panel discussion continued with do business in the region, provide was to discuss the various efforts Associate Professor Dr. Sufian Jusoh greater confidence among current in- undertaken by ASEAN and Malaysia as who spoke on The ASEAN Economic vestors in the region to continue and the chair for ASEAN in 2015 to pro- Community: Views from the Ground. expand their investments, and increa- mote and realise the ASEAN Economic He focused on two main issues which se intra-ASEAN investment through Community (AEC) 2015. The discourse are very important under the AEC – the liberalisation of five main sectors, also aimed to identify the success Services and Investment. namely, facturing, agriculture, fishery, factors and challenges to the AEC in its forestry, and mining and quarrying. implementation of initiatives to achieve Associate Professor Dr. Sufian began an ASEAN single market and produc- by stating that the ASEAN Framework In his concluding remarks, Dr. Sufian tion base, discuss opportunities and Agreement on Services (AFAS) was mentioned that the awareness of the limitations for business and investing signed by ASEAN Economic Ministers AEC is still very low among member communities in leveraging upon the on 15 December 1995 in Bangkok, states and investors. There are many AEC. Thailand. The objectives of AFAS were aspects that need to be looked into if to facilitate the establishment of free the AEC is going to be achieved by the The first panelist, Datuk P. Ravidran flow of services in the AEC by 2015, end of 2015. In order to draw in more gave an overview of the AEC. The AEC eliminate substantial barriers to trade investors into ASEAN or even intra- is one of the three pillars to achieve a in services, improve efficiency and ASEAN, there should be harmonisation cohesive ASEAN Community. The competitiveness of ASEAN services of ASEAN investment laws and pro- population of ASEAN is about 625 mil- and liberalise trade in services through cedures at a certain level. lion consisting of relatively young progressive liberalisation. people with growing spending power. The third speaker, Mr. Fahmi Rais who The other two pillars are ASEAN Liberalisation of services under the is a businessman and wants to expand Political-Security Community and AEC undertakes the General Agree- his business in ASEAN, gave his ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. ment on Trade in Services (GATS) opinion and voiced some of his Model of World Trade Organisation concerns based on personal ex- The AEC is made up of four important (WTO), which allows for a free move- perience. He stated that as an ASEAN pillars – a single market and produc- ment of professionals and business business citizen, he wants to be able to tion base, a highly competitive eco- person as agreed upon in the Move- tap into the nearest market and be able nomic competition region, a region of ment of Natural Persons Agreement to receive more privileges and be-

NEWS

Round Table Discussion on Recent Security Threats and Freedom of Expression

The event commenced about the existence of the shroud of with welcoming remarks secrecy in Malaysia. by Dato’ Hussin Nayan, Director General of IDFR. The discussion continued with Dato’ He stated that the nexus Akhbar Satar who delivered his talk between freedom of ex- titled Why Extremisist Ideologies have pression and security Taken Root in the Minds of the Youths threats would hopefully in Malaysia and the Region? He spoke be the outcome of this about the youths in Malaysia which A round table discussion titled Re- discussion. It is a fact that free expres- have been a target of extremist groups cent Security Threats and Freedom of sion has become an apparent, via the internet and the madrasas. Expression was held on 12 March relevant and necessary tool in an Certain groups of people were also 2015 at IDFR. The objective of this increasingly interconnected world. forced to go to the Middle East, with discourse was to discuss the subject This enables all people regardless of the promise of the ‘glory of heaven’ in of freedom of expression in the race, gender or ethnicity, the right to exchange for their support. The misin- context of recent security threats speak their mind and share opinions terpretation of religious texts also which included how the Government’s without fear or favour. This essential contributed to the recruitment process concept of moderation is essential to foundations of an independent and for these groups while Malaysians counter radical extremisim and the progressive society must be exercised were quite sympathetic towards the emergence of cyber threats in Malay- carefully as its application would have problems of the Middle East especially sia and the region. negative consequences and could when it comes to fighting against the inflict great damage to human pro- “so called western powers”. The panelists were Professor Zaharom gress, peace and security. Zaim, Professor of Media and Com- The final panelist was Mr. Ahmad munication Studies at University of Professor Zaharom Nain delivered his El-Muhammady who spoke on Free- Nottingham, Malaysia, Dato’ Akhbar presentation titled What Threat? dom of Expression and its Implication Satar, President of Transparency Inter- Whose Security? – Crisis, Control and to Malaysia’s National Security. He national Malaysia and Mr. Ahmad Freedom of Expression. He began by started by establishing the idea that El-Muhammady, Lecturer at the Cen- speaking about the threats posed in freedom of expression is one of the tre for Foundation Studies, Interna- line with the idea of national security core elements guaranteed by the tional Islamic University, Malaysia. Dr. and the three ways in which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar, threats to freedom of expression can 1946 and Malaysia has provided the Head of Political Science Department be viewed; the existence of physical legal framework for the expression of also of International Islamic University, threat, non-physical threat and the freedom although there have been a Malaysia was the moderator. crisis of hegemony. He also spoke set of preventative laws such as the

8 [email protected] On 12 February 2015, IDFR together equitable economic development and (MNP). MNP Agreement makes allo- with the World Trade Institute and Uni- a region fully integrated into the global wances only for temporary entry of versiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) economy. skilled workers, professionals, execu- jointly organised a panel discussion tives and it is also limited to business under the Economic Diplomacy Series Datuk Ravidran also cleared doubts for visitors and contractual service supp- 1/2015 with the theme, The ASEAN those who thought that ASEAN is liers. The MNP agreement does not Economic Community (AEC): Making European Union (EU) in the making. permit permanent entry to those the AEC a Success. The event was Under the AEC, each member state searching employment and unskilled graced by Dato’ Hamzah Zainudin, will maintain its own currency and labour. The GATS model is unlike the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. retain its national sovereignty, unlike EU and NAFTA model that makes pro- the EU that trades using a common vision for everybody in the member The panel discussants were Dato’ currency and has Brussels as the states to move freely within the mem- Muhamad Noor Yacob, Chairman of central control for the EU. ber states to secure jobs or do bu- Malaysia Automotive Institute as the siness freely. moderator and three panelists, name- In his concluding remarks, Datuk Ravi- ly, Datuk P. Ravidran, Senior Director dran mentioned that Malaysia has The next important aspect that Dr. of ASEAN Economic Cooperation Di- implemented almost 85.5 per cent or Sufian elaborated on was the ASEAN vision, Ministry of International Trade 372 out of 435 measures under phase Comprehensive Investment Agree- and Industry (MITI), Associate Profes- I to III and 43.8 per cent or 95 out of ment (ACIA). The ACIA is an ASEAN sor Dr. Sufian Jusoh, Distinguished 217 targeted measures under phase instrument that aims to enhance the Fellow of IDFR and Mr. Fahmi Rais, IV. The total measures for Malaysia is attractiveness of the ASEAN region as Founder of the Aspirant Group Singa- higher than ASEAN as we include both a single investment destination. It is pore and TAG Global Communication ASEAN-wide and country-specific expected to result in a more conducive Malaysia. measures. business environment, encourage investors who are not yet in ASEAN to The objective of this panel discussion The panel discussion continued with do business in the region, provide was to discuss the various efforts Associate Professor Dr. Sufian Jusoh greater confidence among current in- undertaken by ASEAN and Malaysia as who spoke on The ASEAN Economic vestors in the region to continue and the chair for ASEAN in 2015 to pro- Community: Views from the Ground. expand their investments, and increa- mote and realise the ASEAN Economic He focused on two main issues which se intra-ASEAN investment through Community (AEC) 2015. The discourse are very important under the AEC – the liberalisation of five main sectors, also aimed to identify the success Services and Investment. namely, facturing, agriculture, fishery, factors and challenges to the AEC in its forestry, and mining and quarrying. implementation of initiatives to achieve Associate Professor Dr. Sufian began an ASEAN single market and produc- by stating that the ASEAN Framework In his concluding remarks, Dr. Sufian tion base, discuss opportunities and Agreement on Services (AFAS) was mentioned that the awareness of the limitations for business and investing signed by ASEAN Economic Ministers AEC is still very low among member communities in leveraging upon the on 15 December 1995 in Bangkok, states and investors. There are many AEC. Thailand. The objectives of AFAS were aspects that need to be looked into if to facilitate the establishment of free the AEC is going to be achieved by the The first panelist, Datuk P. Ravidran flow of services in the AEC by 2015, end of 2015. In order to draw in more gave an overview of the AEC. The AEC eliminate substantial barriers to trade investors into ASEAN or even intra- is one of the three pillars to achieve a in services, improve efficiency and ASEAN, there should be harmonisation cohesive ASEAN Community. The competitiveness of ASEAN services of ASEAN investment laws and pro- population of ASEAN is about 625 mil- and liberalise trade in services through cedures at a certain level. lion consisting of relatively young progressive liberalisation. people with growing spending power. The third speaker, Mr. Fahmi Rais who The other two pillars are ASEAN Liberalisation of services under the is a businessman and wants to expand Political-Security Community and AEC undertakes the General Agree- his business in ASEAN, gave his ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. ment on Trade in Services (GATS) opinion and voiced some of his Model of World Trade Organisation concerns based on personal ex- The AEC is made up of four important (WTO), which allows for a free move- perience. He stated that as an ASEAN pillars – a single market and produc- ment of professionals and business business citizen, he wants to be able to tion base, a highly competitive eco- person as agreed upon in the Move- tap into the nearest market and be able nomic competition region, a region of ment of Natural Persons Agreement to receive more privileges and be-

FORUM NEWS

nefits. He also uttered his concern that gested that every business registered are able to make sound judgement on Internal Security Act (ISA), Prevention- tage of the freedom and the internet This discussion was attended by the political condition of ASEAN in the country of origin within ASEAN the prospect of their business. He also of Crime Act (POCA) and the Sedition facilities to spread its ideology and ambassadors, high commission- member states should remain stable at member states should be registered reiterated that he will not venture to Act. He elaborated on the recent Char- facilitate the recruitment of Malaysian ers, government officials, academi- all times. with ASEAN as a suffix in a bracket – expand his business to another lie Hebdo tragedy which took place in youths. The speaker also touched on cians, and representatives from think The Aspirant Group (ASEAN). This will country if both countries’ governments Paris and the influence of Malaysian the ”national approach” where it is ne- tanks and NGOs. Mr. Fahmi gave some recommen- encourage more ASEAN born busi- are not in agreement. teenagers by the Islamic State (IS) cessary to promote harmony, peaceful dations and suggestions to further im- nesses to go international and it is also propaganda. The IS is taking advan- coexistence and mutual respectability. prove and enhance business in for branding purposes. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Fahmi ASEAN. First, he suggested that ASE- suggested that ASEAN should come AN should have its own Intellec- Mr. Fahmi also suggested that the up with its own ASEAN passport and Round Table Discussion on Extremism and Militancy with tual Property Protection law. This will government of the host country should that ASEAN should conduct courses to provide confidence not only among facilitate new businesses in their help member states to appreciate the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), Singapore intra-ASEAN investors but could also country in obtaining the network re- each other’s values and cultures so attract more foreign direct investment quired as well as to be transparent in that we can all work together har- On 21 January 2015, three IDFR defang the extremist group. In so ledging the importance of freedom of into ASEAN. There should also be delivering information on taxes, budget moniously and appreciate each other. officers attended the round table dis- doing, he voiced his support for speech, Dr. Akhmetova asserted that more ASEAN brands and he sug- and incentives so that businessmen cussion on Extremism and Militancy Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien the freedom of speech slogan chanted with the Institute of South Asian Stu- Loong’s proposal last November at the risked encouraging extremism and the dies (ISAS), Singapore held at the Ins- East Asia Summit for an East Asia Paris tragedy exemplified such. She titute of Strategic and International Summit symposium to tackle religious also lamented that Islam has become Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. It began with extremism. Ambassador Dr. Chowd- synonymous for terrorism after 9/11 the introduction of the two guest hury also concurred with Prime Minis- and that the War on Terror was also speakers, namely, Ambassador Dr. ter Najib’s statement a few days earlier associated with Islam. Be that as it The event commenced about the existence of the shroud of Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal where he was quoted as saying that may, according to CNN, referring to with welcoming remarks secrecy in Malaysia. Research Fellow at ISAS, Singapore unlimited freedom will give rise to some study of renowned researchers, by Dato’ Hussin Nayan, and Dr. Elmira Akhmetova, Research extremism, reiterated. On the question the terrorist threat posed by Muslims Director General of IDFR. The discussion continued with Dato’ Fellow at the Institute of Advanced of countering extremism or radicalism, had been exaggerated. Dr. Akhmetova He stated that the nexus Akhbar Satar who delivered his talk Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia. he put forward several hopefully work- also emphasised the importance of between freedom of ex- titled Why Extremisist Ideologies have able proposals which included en- respect for different races or ethnic pression and security Taken Root in the Minds of the Youths Quoting from E.H. Carr’s, “What is hancing strategic communication, groups and their rights, especially the threats would hopefully in Malaysia and the Region? He spoke History?,” the first speaker, Ambassa- strengthening criminal justice system, minority rights, in order to achieve and be the outcome of this about the youths in Malaysia which dor Dr. Chowdhury highlighted the improving gender ratio of the work- keep workable peace and stability A round table discussion titled Re- discussion. It is a fact that free expres- have been a target of extremist groups importance of causation in delibera- force and recruitment drive, promoting which would benefit the whole world. cent Security Threats and Freedom of sion has become an apparent, via the internet and the madrasas. ting the extremism question. He the prominent role of regional and Expression was held on 12 March relevant and necessary tool in an Certain groups of people were also claimed that a mixture of complex international organisations such as Approximately 40 people attended the 2015 at IDFR. The objective of this increasingly interconnected world. forced to go to the Middle East, with social political phenomena – history, ASEAN and the United Nations, and round table discussion including go- discourse was to discuss the subject This enables all people regardless of the promise of the ‘glory of heaven’ in politics, sociology, ideology and changing existing twisted culture and vernment officers, researchers, acade- of freedom of expression in the race, gender or ethnicity, the right to exchange for their support. The misin- economics is the causal factor in values via academics and think tanks. micians and members of the diplomat- context of recent security threats speak their mind and share opinions terpretation of religious texts also extremism or radicalism. To establish ic corps. IDFR was represented by which included how the Government’s without fear or favour. This essential contributed to the recruitment process this, Ambassador Dr. Chowdhury The second speaker, Dr. Elmira Major Rtd. Mohd Ridzuan Hj Mohd concept of moderation is essential to foundations of an independent and for these groups while Malaysians probed the examples of the Middle Akhmetova observed that extremism Shariff, Senior Deputy Director of the counter radical extremisim and the progressive society must be exercised were quite sympathetic towards the East, the Arab Spring and the invasion is widespread – existing throughout Academic Studies, Research and emergence of cyber threats in Malay- carefully as its application would have problems of the Middle East especially of Iraq in 2003, among other things. history. Noting that extremism is Publication Division, Mr. Dev Kumar sia and the region. negative consequences and could when it comes to fighting against the “spreading like cancer in the Muslim s/o Balakrishnan, Senior Deputy inflict great damage to human pro- “so called western powers”. From the examples, it was evident that world” today, which is evident from the Director of the Regional and Security The panelists were Professor Zaharom gress, peace and security. violence begot violence and bred Arab Spring and the so-called Islamic Studies Division and Ms. Lim Hui Chin, Zaim, Professor of Media and Com- The final panelist was Mr. Ahmad extremism. Thus, he underscored the State, she suggested that all of these Assistant Director from the Office of munication Studies at University of Professor Zaharom Nain delivered his El-Muhammady who spoke on Free- need to intellectually deradicalise and are related to politics. While acknow- the Director General. Nottingham, Malaysia, Dato’ Akhbar presentation titled What Threat? dom of Expression and its Implication Satar, President of Transparency Inter- Whose Security? – Crisis, Control and to Malaysia’s National Security. He national Malaysia and Mr. Ahmad Freedom of Expression. He began by started by establishing the idea that ASEAN-Australia Engagement: Trends and Prospects El-Muhammady, Lecturer at the Cen- speaking about the threats posed in freedom of expression is one of the tre for Foundation Studies, Interna- line with the idea of national security core elements guaranteed by the for the Region tional Islamic University, Malaysia. Dr. and the three ways in which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar, threats to freedom of expression can 1946 and Malaysia has provided the IDFR kick started its first Ambassador Commissioner to Malaysia to the Ins- of ASEAN and provides a platform for Head of Political Science Department be viewed; the existence of physical legal framework for the expression of Lecture Series for 2015 by having the titute on 31 March 2015. The Ambas- all heads of mission from member also of International Islamic University, threat, non-physical threat and the freedom although there have been a honour of the presence of His Excel- sador Lecture Series was held in con- states and regional partners to share Malaysia was the moderator. crisis of hegemony. He also spoke set of preventative laws such as the lency Rod Smith, Australian High junction with Malaysia’s Chairmanship their views and perspectives on topics

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 9 NEWS

related to the engagement of their the bilateral relation of both countries could further enhance ASEAN and respective countries with ASEAN. could be strengthened. H.E. Smith Australia’s relationship in the future. concluded by saying that both regions The panel discussion comprised three should find ways of maximising eco- The final speaker was Ambassador panelists and a moderator. H.E. Rod nomic opportunity and minimising Jojie Samuel, Deputy Director General Smith, as the first panelist, gave a brief strategic risk. from the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Com- history of Australia’s presence in Ma- munity Division, Ministry of Foreign laysia which dates back to before The second panelist, Dato’ Dr. Mohd Affairs, Malaysia. Ambassador Jojie in Malaysia’s independence. He also Yusof Ahmad, Head of Institute of his presentation mentioned that he mentioned some of Australia’s enga- ASEAN Studies and Global Affairs has just returned to Malaysia after gement with ASEAN member states from Universiti Teknologi MARA men- attending the ASEAN-Australia forum which include constructing bridges in tioned that the bilateral relation bet- which was held in The Philippines from the Mekong, providing clean water ween Malaysia and Australia is strong. 25 to 27 March 2015. During the systems in Indonesia, supporting go- However, tension is building up in the forum, Australia has expressed its vernance and public financial mana- region with China and India as a rising interest to engage more with ASEAN gement programmes in The Philip- power, South China Sea dispute a- including on knowledge and experi- pines and rejuvenating the Colombo mong the claimants and Australia’s ence-sharing. In this regard, an Action Plan. The Colombo Plan provides close relationship with the United Sta- Plan has been developed to study scholarships for both Australian stu- tes. If not managed carefully, these ASEAN and Australia’s relation at a dents to carry out their internship in factors could affect Australia’s rela- more strategic level. Malaysia and high achieving Malay- tionship with ASEAN. Dato’ Yusof also sian students to pursue their research made an important observation that The session was moderated by Tuan and postgraduate studies in presti- ASEAN should not only be at the Syed Mohamed Bakri Syed Abd. gious universities in Australia. Current- receiving end but also be reciprocal to Rahman, IDFR’s Director of Training. ly, the Australian Competition and Australia if it wants to continue the Among the attendees were members Consumer Commission has begun an strong bilateral relation with Australia. of the diplomatic corps, academi- intensive capacity building program- Under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural cians, government officials, represen- me for ASEAN member states on im- Community Blueprint, many Asians tatives from think tanks and university plementing competition law. It is ho- are migrating to Australia and Austra- students. ped that through such engagement, lians living in Malaysia. Hopefully this

Study Visit to New Delhi By Farhana Mohamed Nor

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” ~ Mahatma Gandhi Organised by both IDFR and UKM, tel, located at the heart of New Delhi’s Strategic and International Studies, students of the IDFR-UKM Master in business centre. Amidst the darkness Malaysia, who discussed the topic Social Science (Strategy and Diploma- of the night, we managed to catch from Malaysia’s point of view. cy) Programme 2014/2015 went on a glimpses of the streets of New Delhi study visit to New Delhi, India from 23 and we knew that we were in for a Later that afternoon, we paid a visit to to 27 April 2015. The nine-member treat. the Insititute of Defence and Analyses delegation included a UKM lecturer, an (IDSA) and attended a lecture on IDFR officer and seven students. We The next day, the study visit kicked of New Developments in India-China Re- left at approximately 6.50 pm local with a visit to the Indian Council of lations. We were made to understand time on 23 April and arrived at the World Affairs, Sapru House to attend a that IDSA is an Indian think tank for Indira Ghandi International Airport af- conference titled Non-Traditional The- advanced research in international re- ter a four-and-a-half hour flight. mes in Asian Foreign Policies. Prior to lations, especially strategic and secu- the commencement of the conferen- rity issues and also trains civilian and Right after passing immigration, we ce, the students were able to mingle military officers of the Government of were warmly welcomed by an officer with the other participants and engage India. The session was very interactive from our High Commission in New with prominent locals. Among the and the students were proactive in Delhi. After collecting our luggages, speakers at the conference was Ma- asking questions to the speakers. we were ushered to an 18-seater bus laysia’s very own Tan Sri Rastam and were taken straight to Aagami Ho- Mohd Isa, Chairman of the Institute of On 25 April, we attended a lecture and

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a round table discussion on Geopoli- sides were tremendously tics in the Indian Ocean at the National proactive. Maritime Foundation (NMF). NMF is a non-governmental maritime think tank Later that night, we wore our where all its activities are underpinned elegant traditional wear and by the need to continuously sensitise attended a dinner hosted by fellow citizens to the importance of the High Commissioner of maritime security, to continuously re- Malaysia to New Delhi, His mind them of India’s maritime heritage Excellency Dato' Naimun and to reawaken maritime conscious- Ashakli Mohammad. We ness, especially amongst India's youth could not have asked for a more enjoy- the opportunity to eat as much by using the instrumentality of NMF’s able time. The homemade delicacies authentic Indian food as we could and own resources, outstation chapters were exquisite while the setting was they were truly unforgettable. and other institutions. The students elegant, which truly made the evening were of the view that NMF was by far most memorable for us. I strongly believe that the students had the most interesting institution they benefitted immensely from the study have come to know about. The next morning, we were bound for visit, in terms of expanding their the infamous Taj Mahal in Agra. intellectual network, obtaining pro- We then headed to the School of Inter- Despite it being a four-hour journey, found knowledge and living-in-the- national Studies, Jawaharlal Neh- nothing beat the sceneries we were moment priceless experience. More- ru University (JNU) to participate in a able to mentally capture – absolutely over, I am of the view that the students round table discussion on India and mesmerizing. As we entered the were able to display versatility and Malaysia in the Regional Geopolitics. compound of Taj Mahal, I personally diplomacy in the conveyance of Ma- This session was the utmost intense of felt touched and shed a tear or two laysian customs and traditions, por- them all. As we entered the presenta- imagining Shah Jehan's true love for traying themselves as potential and tion hall, unfamiliar eyes stared our Mumtaz Mahal. capable individuals to represent Ma- way and it was then we knew we were laysia in the future. It is my hope that in for a diplomatic battle. Fear not; The following day was sadly the last the collaboration between IDFR and even though we were outnumbered day of our trip and we spent it on a UKM could be enhanced to a higher but we were trained to fight with diplo- half-day city tour. Among the places level for the benefit of the field of macy. After four presentations, two we visited were the Lotus Temple, the diplomacy and international relations. I from each country, the battle of ques- India Gate and the Parliament of India. would also like to personally express tions and answers began. It was so my sincere appreciation to those who interactive and the students from both Throughout the four days, we also had had made this study visit a reality.

IDFR Welcomes Students from the Virtue Foundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand

On 29 January 2015, 28 students from overview of the ASEAN Community dents on Malaysian culture. Each stu- the Virtue Foundation, Ministry of development in Malaysia. dent was also given a bag containing Foreign Affairs, Thailand visited IDFR information pertaining to the ASEAN and the delegation was led by Ms. Mr. Syed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman, Community and the Malaysian culture. Chantipha Phutrakul, Director of the the Director of Training, delivered the After the briefing, the students enthral- Virtue Foundation. The visit was or- opening remarks during the briefing led the guests with a delightful cultural ganised in cooperation with the Royal session. After a short introduction on performance of songs and dance. Thai Embassy and the National De- IDFR and an ice break- partment for Culture and Arts, Ministry ing activity, Mr. Hesmel of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia. Fazree Ahmad Faisal, Assistant Director from The main objectives of the visit the National Depart- were to gain knowledge on Malay- ment for Culture and sian culture and to have a better Arts, Ministry of Tou- understanding of the roles and func- rism and Culture, Ma- tions of IDFR as well as to obtain an laysia, briefed the stu-

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 11 NEWS

IDFR Welcomes Delegates from the Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU)

The delegation compri- more from IDFR on its organisation, sed five members, led training courses and other related by Dr. Afework Haile- matters. The session was very interac- michael Abera, Presi- tive where there were a lot of enquiries dent of ECSU. In his received from the delegates and also briefing to the IDFR sharing of experience between both team, Dr. Afework gave parties. a brief description of ECSU and its history. Puan Hajjah Norani Ibrahim, IDFR’s Director of Special Projects chaired On 28 January 2015, IDFR hosted Prior to their visit to IDFR, ECSU the session, which was also attended delegates from the Ethiopian Civil visited the National Institute of Public by representatives from all divisions. Service University (ECSU) who were Administration (INTAN) to learn about here as part of their visit to various the public sector training conducted public training institutions in Malaysia by them. For training in the field of to learn the best practices of the diplomacy and international relations, respective institutions. ECSU expressed their interest to learn

Facts on ASEAN and Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2015

ASEAN • Renunciation of the threat or use of and practised by ASEAN Member force; and States. The Association of • Effective cooperation among them- Southeast Asian Nations selves ASEAN Charter (ASEAN) is an inter-governmental association ASEAN Flag The ASEAN Charter serves as a firm and a home of ten nations (Brunei Da- foundation in achieving the ASEAN russalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao ASEAN has its own Community by providing legal status PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philip- flag and it repre- and institutional framework for ASE- pines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet- sents a stable, AN. It also codifies ASEAN norms, nam). It was established on 8 August peaceful, united rules and values; sets clear targets for 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the and dynamic ASEAN. The colours of ASEAN and presents accountability signing of the Bangkok Declaration. the Flag – blue, red, white and yellow – and compliance. represent the main colours of the flags Fundamental Principles of ASEAN of all the ASEAN Member States. Blue ASEAN Community represents peace and stability, red ASEAN Member States have adopted depicts courage and dynamism, white The ASEAN Community is a group of the following fundamental principles, shows purity and yellow symbolises Southeast Asian nations that is out- as contained in the Treaty of Amity and prosperity. The stalks of padi in the ward looking and lives in peace, sta- Cooperation in Southeast Asia of 1976 centre of the emblem represent the bility and prosperity. Towards this end, as follows: dream of ASEAN’s Founding Fathers ASEAN Member States have embar- • Mutual respect for the indepedence, for an ASEAN comprising all the coun- ked on various community building ini- sovereignty, equality, territorial inte- tries in Southeast Asia, bound toge- tiatives, programmes and activities. grity and national identity of all ther in friendship and solidarity. The While full integration has yet to hap- nations; circle represents the unity of ASEAN. pen, ASEAN generally has made • The right of every State to lead its significant and visible political, eco- national existence free from external ASEAN Way nomic and socio-cultural progresses, interference, subversion or coercion; such as freer movement of peoples, • Non-interference in the internal af- ASEAN Way is a sacred principle of goods and services; open sky policy fairs of one another; mutual respect, non-interference in and the establishment of growth • Settlement of differences or dis- the internal affairs of one another and triangles, to name a few. putes by peaceful manner; consensus in decision making held

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At the 12 th ASEAN Summit in January Malaysia aims to steer ASEAN closer cause and common destiny. 2007, the Leaders affirmed their to the people, consistent with the strong commitment to accelerate the central and overarching theme of People-Centred ASEAN establishment of an ASEAN Commu- Malaysia’s Chairmanship in 2015, nity from 2010 to 2015. They signed namely, to create a truly People- A People-Centred ASEAN means the Cebu Declaration on the Accelera- Centred ASEAN. ASEAN will be an even more powerful tion of the Establishmentof an ASEAN vehicle for the realisation of our peo- Community by 2015. In this connec- Malaysia’s Main Role as a Chairman ple’s aspirations – good governance, tion, ASEAN Community will be estab- of ASEAN in 2015 transparency, higher standards of lished on 31 December. living, sustainable development, fur- Malaysia’s main roles are two-fold: ther empowerment of women and ASEAN Trade Volume greater opportunity for all. • Ensuring the implementation of the Its trade volume in 2013 was USD 2.3 action lines as contained in the afo- Excerpt from a Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Facts about ASEAN leaflet. For more information, go to trillion and that makes ASEAN the rementioned Blueprints and how www.kln.gov.my or asean2015.gov.my seventh largest economy in the world. best to conclude the Roadmap for Its major trading partners are China, an ASEAN Community (2009-2015), Japan and the European Union. and • Developing a Post-2015 Vision for Malaysia’s Overall Theme for the the ASEAN Community which will Chairmanship further chart ASEAN’s collective

ASEAN 2015 Workshop for Liaison Officers for the Ministry of International Trade and Industry

officers. The aim was to better prepare them for their duties as liaison officers to the Foreign Minister of each ASEAN member state at the respective meetings.

An integrated teaching and learning methodologies were adopted during the two-day workshop which included briefings, discussions, lectures, simulation exercises and study visits. Among the topics discussed were Introduction to International and ASEAN Protocol, Personal Grooming IDFR organised two series of Work- The objective of the workshop was to and Etiquette, Interpersonal Skills, shop for Liaison Officers for the Minis- equip the participants with the neces- Cross-Cultural Awareness and Effec- try of International Trade and Industry sary knowledge and capabilities for tive Communication Skills. (MITI) and its agencies, among others, Malaysia to assume the ASEAN Chair- Malaysian Investment Development manship and to organise the 2015 On the last day of the workshop, the Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External ASEAN Summit and related Meetings. participants were given the opportuni- Trade Development Corporation The participants were given hands-on ty to practise the duties of a liaison (MATRADE) and Small and Medium training on issues related to ASEAN, officer during a walkabout and simula- Enterprise Corporation Malaysia (SME particularly on the roles and functions tion at the Kuala Lumpur International Corp). The first workshop was con- of Malaysia as the ASEAN Chair. Airport. All these exposure will de- ducted from 19 to 20 January 2015 finitely enhance their knowledge as with 16 participants while the second The participants were taught the roles, liaison officers. one was from 26 to 27 January 2015 functions, responsibilities and key with 40 participants. protocol elements of being liaison

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 13 ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat

Economic Diplomacy Series 1/2015 The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): Making the AEC a Success

14 [email protected] Round Table Discussion on Recent Security Threats and Freedom of Expression

Asia Europe Public Diplomacy Training Initiative Workshop

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 15 SPKM Pre-Posting Orientation Course for Home- Based Staff and Spouses 1/2015

Workshop on Public Diplomacy and Media Skills

Workshop on Drafting International Resolution

16 [email protected] Orientation Course for Rapporteurs in Preparation for ASEAN Chairmanship 2015 Series 1 & 2

ASEAN 2015 Workshop for Liaison Officers, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

ASEAN 2015 Workshop for Liaison Officers for the Ministry of International Trade and Industry

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 17 MTCP: Diplomatic Training Course for International Participants 2015

18 [email protected] Visit from the Ethiopian Civil Service University

Study Visit from the Virtue Foundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand

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Orientation Course for Rapporteurs in Preparation for ASEAN Chairmanship 2015

The objectives of the course were to as key elements of effective writing equip the participants with the neces- and listening skills. Other than that, sary knowledge, skills and capabilities they were briefed on the programme in preparation for Malaysia to assume and agenda of related meetings the ASEAN Chairmanship this year pertaining to the ASEAN Summit and and to organise the ASEAN Summit the preparation to carry out the and other ASEAN related Meetings. rapporteuring duties. Among the topics covered during the course were The participants were given interactive The Roles and Functions of Rappor- lectures and hands-on training on teurs, The Rapporteuring Format, IDFR organised two series of Orienta- issues related to ASEAN, particularly Effective Writing and Listening Skills, tion Course for Rapporteurs in Prepa- the roles and functions of the ASEAN Technical Familiarisation on The Use of ration for ASEAN Chairmanship 2015 Chair. The course was also designed The Digital Voice Recorder and for government officials from the to help them carry out their rappor- Note-Taking Strategies. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. teuring duties efficiently during the The first series was conducted from 19 Summit and the other meetings. Throughout the three days, an to 21 January with 15 participants integrated teaching and learning while the second series was conduc- The participants were given special methodologies were adopted. ted from 11 to 13 February with 20 training on the functions, roles and participants. responsibilities of a rapporteur as well

Say It Right 1/2015

The first English Language course for stress and the supra-segmental the use of appropriate stress patterns 2015 was Say It Right, held from 9 to features of the English language, cru- and word endings in conversations. 11 February 2015. This course aimed cial in developing participants’ abilities at improving the English pronunciation to pronounce English words correctly. By exposing the participants to the of civil servants. The course mainly The course sought to assist the partic- correct intonation patterns of spoken focused on elements of phonetics and ipants in recognising the English English, it is hoped that they would be phonology and paralinguistic features sounds system according to the Inter- able to speak the language with more like tone and pitch of voice, word national Phonetics Alphabet and confidence and have the ability to monitor and self-correct some errors they might make. The participants were from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, National News Agency of Malaysia (BERNA- MA), Ministry of Education and Department of Occupational, Safety and Health.

Diplomacy and International Relations Module for PTD Cadets (Sidang AB and Sidang CD)

IDFR recently conducted the Diploma- and planned with the collaboration of 9 to 13 February, while the second cy and International Relations Module the Sub Cluster for Human Capital group, Sidang CD, was conducted for two groups of PTD cadets, Development, National Institute of from 23 to 27 February. comprising 61 participants each. The Public Administration (INTAN). The five-day programme was designed first group, Sidang AB, was held from The objectives of the module were to

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provide the participants with the knowledge in the field of diplomacy and international relations, to provide an understanding of the roles and functions of a diplomat and to provide an insight and understanding on Malaysia’s experience and perspective on diplomacy and international relations issues.

The module included lectures on Malaysia’s Foreign Policy, Protocol Matters Related to Foreign Service, Roles and Functions of Missions, ASEAN Chairmanship 2015, Consular Matters, Language and Diplomacy, The participants were also required to as the overall evaluation of their Cross-Cultural Awareness, Dealing prepare an article review and presen- writing and presentation skills. with the Media, Understanding Terro- tation on the last day of the module. rism Threat, Malaysia’s Non-Perma- They were evaluated based on their nent Seat in UNSC 2015-2015, ability to identify the areas of analysis, Public Speaking and Presentation the originality of their ideas, their Skills and also a Sharing Session with enthusiasm, pronunciation and a Senior Diplomat. gestures during presentation, as well

MTCP: Diplomatic Training Course for International Participants 2015

managing its fo- tional Law, Applied Psychology in reign policy and Diplomacy and Language and Diplo- international re- macy. The participants were also lations. It also taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to provide Malaysia and the Parliament for them with hands- on-site briefings. on experience on areas related to In addition, the participants were intro- diplomacy and duced to Malaysia’s state-level gover- international af- nance when they spent five days in the fairs. The course state of Terengganu. This module also served as a aimed to provide further understand- The course was conducted from 23 platform for networking and exchang- ing on the mechanism involved in February to 13 March 2015. The ing of views among the participants. Malaysia’s governance system where- three-week course was attended by by the Federal and State Government 19 diplomats, from Botswana, Fiji, During the course, the participants play and share equal role and respon- Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, went through an integrated teaching sibility in developing the nation. The Mexico, Myanmar, Tanzania, Togo, and learning methodology which participants were also introduced to Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zimba- included briefings, discussions, in- the rich history and culture of the state bwe and Malaysia. teractive lectures, simulations and of Terengganu including its early diplo- exercises. macy. During their stay in Terengganu, The course aimed to provide know- they were also taken to Redang Island; ledge and diplomatic skills in the Among the modules conducted were Lake Kenyir, the biggest man-made conduct of diplomacy and foreign Introduction to Malaysia’s Foreign lake in Southeast Asia; Islamic relations among the participants by Policy, Current International Relations Heritage Centre; Terengganu Mu- sharing Malaysia’s experience in and Global Issues, Public and Interna- seum, the biggest museum in Malay-

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 21 NEWS

sia; and Noor Arfa Batik Craft Com- practical training will contribute to sions throughout the course that could plex, a local craft centre. them realising their long-term improve both their theoretical know- career goals to emerge as specialised ledge and practical skills in interna- Based on the feedback received, the and experienced diplomats. They felt tional relations and diplomacy. participants believed that the course’s that the modules were relevant to integrated academic studies and them and they had informative ses-

Workshop on Public Diplomacy and Media Skills

sia, Department of Standards Among the topics discussed were An Malaysia, Malaysian Qualifica- Overview of Public Diplomacy, How to tions Agency, Malaysian Agri- Write an Effective Press Release, cultural Research and Deve- Effective Media Relations, Handling lopment Institute, Ministry of Press Conferences, Mock Media Inter- Urban Wellbeing, Housing and views and Panel Discussion on the Local Government, TV Alhijrah Role of Media in Public Diplomacy. and IDFR. During the Mock Media Interview session, the participants were given The aim of this workshop was the opportunity to experience being in to equip the participants with front of the camera and interviewed by the fundamental overview of reporters. They learned the impor- IDFR successfully conducted the the objectives and scope of public tance of being fully conversant and Workshop on Public Diplomacy and diplomacy. It was also to enhance their having all the relevant information to Media Skills from 24 to 26 February awareness on the importance of give accurate and truthful answers. 2015. The workshop was attended by public diplomacy in promoting Malay- 19 officials from various ministries and sia’s national interests in the interna- Overall, this workshop received agencies, namely, the Ministry of tional arena. The participants were favourable response from the partici- Education, Prime Minister’s Depart- also taught the knowledge and skills in pants as they gained valuable know- ment, Department of Immigration, Mi- handling the media in the context of ledge, established various skills and nistry of Tourism and Culture, Malay- public diplomacy and advocacy. built new networking among them.

SPKM: Pre-Posting Orientation Course for Home- Based Staff and Spouses 1/2015

The first series of the pre-posting their varied functions course was held from 2 to 13 March and duties abroad, and 2015. The course was attended by 67 to instil esprit de corps officers Grade 41 and above from among them for effec- various ministries and agencies, with tive performance at their spouses. The spouses were Missions. required to attend only the first week of the course. The participants went through a variety of in- The objectives of the course were to teractive sessions with enhance the participants’ knowledge professionals from the public and Working Abroad, Malaysia’s Foreign and skills in diplomacy and interna- private sectors, group discussions Policy, Reception and Official Enter- tional relations, to expose them to and experience sharing with those taining, Royalty and Palace Protocol, matters related to working at Malay- who have served in Missions abroad. Promoting Malaysia as a Tourist Desti- sian Missions abroad, to prepare them The lecture sessions covered topics nation, Ethics and Integrity, Media as well as their respective spouses for such as Preparation for Living and Skills and Public Diplomacy.

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Two new modules were introduced in to interact with the speakers to gain Director of Training, Tuan Syed Bakri this series; Human Trafficking and more knowledge on both issues. Syed Abd Rahman, on the last day of Religious, Cultural and Consular the programme. Matters Related to Death at Missions. Certificates of completion were pre- The participants took the opportunity sented to the participants by the

Asia-Europe Public Diplomacy Training Initiative Workshop

was to enhance the public The participants were engaged in diplomacy efforts among simulation processes, hands-on exer- countries in Asia and Eu- cises, group work and discussions, rope. The focus was on and debates on various issues related skill-oriented training which to public diplomacy. These were facili- was formulated by experts, tated by a group of speakers from practitioners and academi- various organisations from Asia and cians in the field of public Europe. The training gave the partici- diplomacy. IDFR’s involve- pants a chance to gain insights from ment as the host of the practitioners of public diplomacy and IDFR hosted the Asia-Europe Public workshop was evidence of its support experienced diplomats on their Diplomacy Training Initiative Workshop towards this initiative and Asia-Europe involvement in enhancing public diplo- from 10 to 12 March 2015. The work- public diplomacy in general. macy efforts among ASEM members. shop was organised by the Asia-Eu- rope Foundation (ASEF) and its colla- During the three-day workshop, a The workshop ended with a high-tea borators, the DiploFoundation and the wide range of topics were covered reception hosted by the Ministry of National Centre for Research on including Public Diplomacy: From Ma- Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. Mr. Syed Europe (NCRE) – University of Canter- laysia’s Perspectives, Asia-Europe Re- Bakri Syed Abd Rahman, IDFR’s bury, New Zealand. The initiative was lations, The Role of Non-Governmen- Director of Training delivered the funded by the Federal Department of tal Organisations in Public Diplomacy, closing speech to mark the end of the Foreign Affairs of Switzerland and Introduction to Public Diplomacy, workshop. ASEF with the support of the Europe- Public Diplomacy SWOT Analysis Asia an Union (EU). It was attended by 28 in Europe and Europe in Asia, E-diplo- diplomats from the Asia-Europe Mee- macy, Cross-Cultural Understanding ting (ASEM) member countries. and its Implications on Public Diplo- macy, Working with the Media and The main objective of the workshop Public Diplomacy Strategy Exercise.

Workshop on Drafting International Resolution

The workshop was conducted on 4 international resolutions. This is to Hasmy Agam, Chairman of Human and 5 March 2015 at Pacific Regency equip them with relevant knowledge, Rights Commission, Malaysia Hotel Suites, Kuala Lumpur. It was skills and information related to draft- (SUHAKAM); Legal Matters Related to attended by 16 researchers from ing resolutions as they would have to Drafting Resolutions, conducted by Parliament Malaysia. prepare drafts when they represent the Dr. Intan Murnira Ramli, Director of country internationally. Advisory Project, Judicial and Legal The two-day workshop was requested Training Institute (ILKAP); and Sharing by Parliament Malaysia with the main The workshop was divided into three of Experience Session by Dato’ aim of providing understanding to the main modules, namely, Aspects and Hussin Nayan, Director General of participants on the aspects and Elements in Drafting International IDFR. elements in preparing and drafting Resolutions conducted by Tan Sri

DIPLOMATIC VOICE 23 NEWS

All three speakers have in-depth and been adopted were given to the profound experience, skills and know- participants to clarify the techniques, ledge in drafting international resolu- styles, format and language used. tions. They took the participants Exercises and examples given were on through a series of interactive lectures, issues related to international rela- group work and discussions, and tions, politics and economy. simulation exercises. Some examples of international resolutions which have

ASEAN 2015 Workshop for Liaison Officers, Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Publication Division to greetings as well as the do‘s and started the session by don’ts when communicating with emphasising that pro- VIPs. tocol duties began from the time of ar- A significant aspect to the module was rival until the depar- a simulation exercise based on a ture of the delegation. scenario at an ASEAN meeting. In She also elaborated groups of four, the participants were on the code of con- asked to come up with a dialogue on a duct and early prepa- simulated ASEAN Summit/meeting ration for the liaison using the speaking tips provided. duties: pre, during Malaysia assumed the chairmanship and post ASEAN meetings. Dato’ Nazri Yusof, Deputy Chief of of ASEAN beginning 1 January 2015. Protocol ot the Ministry of Foreign The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat She also shared the importance of Affairs and Mr. Syed Farizal Aminy held at Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota interpersonal skills and cross-cultural Syed Mohamad, Principal Assistant Kinabalu from 27 to 28 January, was communication and how they in- Secretary of Protocol Division closed the first series of ASEAN meetings fluence the duties of liaison officers. the workshop with a briefing on the under the auspicious of Malaysia as She further explained that in dealing 2015 ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ the ASEAN chair for 2015. with VIPs, everything should be Retreat and its related meetings. The expressed clearly and in an appropri- briefing was given to enable the Further to this, on Friday, 23 January ate manner in order to achieve the participants to have a better under- 2015, 54 participants from various desired result. standing of the retreat’s programme ministries and government agencies in and agenda. The briefing ended with Sabah attended a day-long session in The second session was on Commu- participants asking for further clarifica- the best of spirit to better prepare for nication in English by Ms. Wan Faizah tion on the facilities, programme and their liaison duties during the retreat. Wan Yusoff, the Acting Director of the logistical arrangements for the respec- The second series comprised 27 Language Division. The session fo- tive Foreign Ministers and spouses officers, 11 personal security officers cused on building the participants’ under their purview. and 16 drivers. basic conversational skills through interactive simulations of Liaison Madam Rahimah Yeop, Director of Officers’ duties. She gave some Academic Studies, Research and helpful tips on key phrases pertaining

Special Address by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on Reflections on Malaysia-Cuba Relations

On 9 February 2015, two IDFR Research and Publication Division and address by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad officers; Ms. Zanariah Abdul Malek, Ms. Lim Hui Chin from the Office of the on Reflections on Malaysia-Cuba Deputy Director of Academic Studies, Director General attended a special Relations at the IKMAS High Level

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Public Lecture held in commemoration relations between the two countries monwealth. The rationale behind his of the 40th anniversary of bilateral due to mutual respect and goodwill. priorities with regard to his foreign relations between Cuba and Malaysia. policy orientation was explained du- The event was held at Universiti In his special address, Tun Dr. Maha- ring the question and answer session. Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Orga- thir said that the main reason our nised by the Centre for Latin American respective embassies were set up very Tun Dr. Mahathir also emphasised that Studies (iKAL) of IKMAS UKM in much later after the establishment of as a trading nation, Malaysia should collaboration with the Embassy of diplomatic relations was because continue to explore new markets and Cuba in Malaysia, the public lecture Malaysia adopted a pro-Western the Latin American countries is a case brought together members of the foreign policy immediately after in point. This explained his 1991 diplomatic corps, government of- independence. He added that Malay- delegation to Latin American coun- ficers, academicians, researchers, sia was part of the British Empire – the tries; Republic of Chile, the Argentine students and journalists. empire on which the sun never sets Republic, the Federative Republic of and thus we knew only Common- Brazil and Cuba. He said that the Malaysia-Cuba diplomatic relations wealth countries and did not look Cubans were “normal people” like was established on 6 February 1975. much at other countries. As a result, Malaysians and quite friendly. Thus he Subsequently, Cuba opened its em- we knew very little about the People’s did not see why Malaysia should not bassy in Kuala Lumpur in 1997 while Republic of China, Japan, the Repub- establish relations with Cuba. He also Malaysia opened its Representative lic of Korea and many other countries mentioned that he likes the Cuban Office in Havana in 2001. Noting the in the world. At the same time, the Havana ice-cream very much and had importance of strategic interests then Malaya disliked communist ideo- tried to introduce the ice-cream to between Malaysia and Cuba, or rather logy and was worried about the Malaysia but without success. He Latin America as a whole, Professor spread of communism into the country added that he had also tried to Datuk Dr. Noor Azlan Ghazali, Vice and thus, we distant ourselves with increase trade relations with Cuba Chancellor of UKM in his welcoming the Communist countries, including during his tenure. remarks stated that UKM has so far Cuba. Adding that our first Prime signed five Memorandum of Under- Minister was eurocentric, he said it Acknowledging the challenges of the standing with Argentina, Brazil, was natural as the late Tunku studied sanctions imposed by its northern Mexico, Ecuador and Cuba respec- in England. neighbour, Tun Dr. Mahathir com- tively for the purposes of facilitating mended Cuba for being able to collaborative educational arrange- Nonetheless, during our second Prime withstand its sternest test through all ments between the university and its Minister Tun Abdul Razak‘s tenure, he the years while still maintaining its counterparts to study the latest deve- decided that Malaysia should widen political system and ideology. He was lopments in the political, security, its relations with countries other than glad that the U.S. President Barack economic, social and cultural spheres the Commonwealth, including Com- Obama is now willing to reestablish of both regions. With the signing of the munist countries such as the Soviet diplomatic relations with Cuba though MoU with Cuba, UKM has had student Union and the People’s Republic of laden with a stumbling block – the and scholar exchange with its Cuban China, and thus the self-explanatory human rights record in Cuba. In this counterpart. establishment of diplomatic relations regard, he asserted that the US’ with Cuba 40 years ago. In this regard, human rights record is not that good While recounting the visit of Mr. Fidel Tun Dr. Mahathir opined that the either. It practises torture, for instance, Castro, former Prime Minister and establishment of Malaysia-Cuba re- according to some American reports. President of Cuba to Malaysia as well lations then was merely a formality as When saying this, he reiterated that he as our former Prime Minister Tun Dr. we knew very little about Cuba and is not anti-American. He admitted that Mahathir’s visits to Cuba during their vice versa. He said as far as he could his human rights record was also bad tenure, H.E. Ruben Perez Valdez, recollect, the late Tun Abdul Razak did but the US’ is even worse. Thus, he Ambassador of Cuba to Malaysia, in not visit Cuba but the late Tun underscored that one should not his welcoming address expressed Hussein Onn, our third Prime Minister, teach others how to run their country. hope that our current Prime Minister did. If this is practised, we will have a would also visit Cuba. H.E. Valdez peaceful world. He congratulated further stated that the top priority of Tun Dr. Mahathir continued by saying Cuba once again for being able to the Embassy of Cuba in Malaysia is to that during his tenure as fourth Prime stand tall and not submitting to establish people-to-people relations Minister, there was a list of priorities pressure forced upon it. With regard to between Cuba and Malaysia. With for his foreign policy orientation. At the Malaysia’s approach to Cuba, Tun Dr. regard to Malaysia-Cuba relations, he top of his list was ASEAN countries, Mahathir said Malaysia has a policy of maintained that different political followed by small countries, Islamic non-intervention into the internal/do- systems have not hindered good countries and, finally, the British Com- mestic affairs of other countries.

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In conclusion, he opined that at research work and he believed that university level, both countries’ both countries could certainly learn relations could focus more on something useful from each other.

Language and Cultural Diplomacy Centre By Jeanette Daina Chen

Under IDFR’s transformation pro- you might still meet the odd person hance its image. The introduction of gramme which will kick start sometime who will never compromise and firmly research will also have a significant this year, the Language Division will be refuse to see things from any other impact and will ensure that we keep known as the Language and Cultural angle, in which case, advanced abreast of changes and new trends in Diplomacy Centre. psychological and diplomatic strate- our field of expertise, in our continu- gies are needed. ous quest for excellence. The programme which will involve everyone at IDFR will start with the Occasionally, even prominent colum- At the beginning of 2015, IDFR Language Division. The main objective nists in leading national newspapers welcomed the new intakes of English, is to widen the role and the scope of seem to accidently misinterpret Bahasa Malaysia and foreign langu- the division, to include more cultural certain words or concepts in a way age courses, namely, French, Spanish activities as well as research, with that could be confusing for the public. and Arabic. With the new perspective, special emphasis on language for Unless the readers are knowledgeable our course participants can look specific purposes and in particular and check information, they could be forward to participating in a wider diplomacy, the core business of the misled by such statements and might range of cultural activities. Institute. form the wrong opinion on a topic of importance. This further highlights the In March, the French language partici- Because learning a language is only importance of language, culture and pants enjoyed the French Langu- the first step towards understanding especially research, for us to make age Week in Malaysia, which gave the peoples of the world, the various sense of world events, to have an them a great opportunity to put into civilisations and cultures, the introduc- independent opinion, think objectively practice their language skills while tion of culture is indeed essential. You and express ourselves clearly. enjoying interesting cultural activities, may be able to communicate, speak a and meeting people from the various language perfectly and understand An accidental slip of the tongue can member countries of the “Organisa- and translate a word accurately but also happen to the most competent tion Internationale de la Francopho- may not grasp the exact meaning, speakers and we often laugh at some nie“ (French Speaking International unless you put it into context and open awkward utterance by a famous Organization). your mind to another way of thinking. international star or politician. Al- Failing to consider the context, the though we find it hilarious, it can We take this opportunity to thank the customs and the history of the country sometimes lead to a lot of undeserved Linguistic and Cultural Department of can lead to aggravation and serious bashing and long lasting grudges, with the Embassy of France as well as the misunderstandings. unfortunate consequences. Alliance Française in Kuala Lumpur, for welcoming our participants to their Besides, the same word can change All this clearly illustrates how difficult cultural events. We appreciate their meaning, according to the country, and tricky communication can be at continuous and valuable support in even if you are using the same times. Conveying precise information the teaching of the French Language. language. Moreover, even the same definitely requires a lot of skill, espe- We would also like to thank all the word might change meaning accor- cially in the area of diplomacy where Spanish speaking Missions who ding to the intonation, the expression sensitive issues are abundant. provide exciting activities and bring and the circumstances. So, there is an their culture to Malaysia, with the obvious need not only to master the So the new orientation of the centre anticipated Spanish Art Festival and language but also to understand the will help us fulfill our objective to the vibrant yearly Latin American culture, although this may not avoid all provide better service to a wider au- Festival. misunderstandings. Each individual dience through an increased efficiency has his or her own views and ways to and competency, in order to be ready Insights into other cultures open new handle situations, and no matter how to face the challenges of globalisation, horizons, contribute to a more com- competent you may be in these areas, to benchmark the Institute and en- prehensive language learning and to a

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better understanding of the world bution to world peace, which is the around us. They are a humble contri- ultimate purpose of diplomacy.

Third Culture Kid By Syahrul Nizzam Nordin

Introduction The beginning of our time in that country was not what my family Sitting in the terminal at the Kuala and I had imagined. The tragic Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), event of September 11 occurred looking out the window with a view of while we were still living in a ser- the 747 Malaysian Airlines, the feeling viced-apartment in Northern Vir- of excitement and anxiety struck me. ginia. Waking up that morning That was my first time being inside and seeing the World Trade Cen- KLIA and it was going to be my first tre in flames was unforgettable time travelling outside of Malaysia, to and devastating, especially when a country I know very little about. comed us into their homes. These both towers collapsed and ashes The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malay- countries had much more to offer than showered the rest of New York City. sia had given my father an opportunity Romania, as their infrastructures were to showcase his ability as a represen- well built and preserved, well recon- The Malaysian community in Washing- tative of Malaysia in Bucharest, Roma- structed and renovated, and the ton D.C. was much larger than in nia. It was an opportunity, a situation people were more modern – in simpler Romania. Even though officers and and an event that changed not only his terms, they were more developed. staff were primarily from the Ministry life but mine as well. It marked the of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, there were beginning of my life as a “Third Culture There were only four Malaysian other government and government- Kid,” the son of a diplomat. families at that time, and with this related agencies such as the Prime small number, we regularly made our Minister’s Department, Majlis Amanah Romania way to the Romanian country side Rakyat, Petronas and Bank Negara, together. Driving through the two-lane just to name a few. The families grew As we arrived at Bucharest Interna- highways, you could see kilometres fond of one another, creating close tional Airport, it seemed so unreal to after kilometres of sunflower planta- relationships between them. be surrounded by people with such tions, with valleys and small moun- different physical features who spoke tains standing in the background. In the month of Ramadan, there was a in a language I have never heard system in which families would before. It felt strange to be in this Our activities revolved around the four choose the date when they would like situation at the age of five, to breathe seasons. During summer, we drove to to host Terawih prayers. Therefore, in a different climate and to feel the the coast to swim in the Black Sea. In instead of praying in mosques, we cold air slicing through my skin. winter, we made our way up the snowy prayed in one home each evening. On mountains to ice skate and sled. In the first day of Hari Raya, everyone Romania was my first time for almost autumn, we took photos in parks with would make their way to the embassy. everything; it was the first time I expe- the different shades of colours on The prayer was held in the auditorium, rienced the four seasons: my first time trees and in spring, we saw flowers large enough to fit everyone in. Fami- having to deal with a different curren- bloom again. lies would have open houses, making cy, my first time being in a school filled us feel closer to home. with International students, and my The United States of America first time being exposed to people of Annual bowling, karaoke and golf different cultures, religions and ethni- In our last year in Romania, a new tournaments were organised between cities. post opened up in Washington D.C. the Permanent Mission to the United Without any hesitation, my father Nations in New York and the Malay- Throughout our four years in Romania, accepted the posting and within a few sian Embassy. The two Missions my family and I took various road trips. weeks, we managed to pack all our would take turn organising the tourna- We drove to Hungary, Austria and belongings, made a brief visit back to ments which were opened to all Czech Republic, and were greeted by Malaysia before flying to Washington members of the Malaysian community other Malaysian diplomats, who wel- D.C. and has now become a tradition.

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Most of the Malaysians then lived in by Ambassador Aminahtun and her the English language, making comm- Northern Virginia. Only a few, including family. My first friend there was her unication less stressful. the Ambassador, lived in Washington son and he helped introduce his D.C. Since America is an English friends, my future schoolmates, to me. Conclusion speaking country, Malaysian children were not required to attend interna- I began and finished my high school Part of the problem of being a “Third tional school. Instead, we were all education in Ukraine, at Kyiv Interna- Culture Kid” is we do not know where admitted to public schools. However, tional School. Since the high school our real home is. For us, the places we since the majority of students in public consisted less than a hundred lived in were our homes. It might be a schools are Americans, they were not students then, everyone knew one fun experience to travel around and as exposed to international surround- another. There were no cliques like in live in different countries, yet little do ings and backgrounds. American schools; everyone was people know how tiring it can be. accepting of each other’s cultures and My preferences also changed in terms beliefs, and was friendly with one As children of diplomats, one of our of music and sports. I started to gain another. It was not hard to adapt to the main worries and concerns is losing interest in American football and surroundings, especially when sports our mother tongue. My first language basketball and even referred to foot- programmes were offered, which I is English and my second is Malay. ball as soccer. I was in a state of made good use of. By becoming a Since I lived overseas from the age of Americanization. soccer, basketball and volleyball pla- 5 to 18, it is difficult for me to under- yer, I continued travelling to different stand some Malay terms and phrases. Ukraine parts of Eastern Europe such as I have adopted the “American” think- Moscow, Bratislava, Warsaw and ing with the Malay beliefs. This mix of When my father was posted to Belgrade, as well as to a Scandinavian culture is what makes us unique in a Ukraine, none of my family members country, Finland. way; our views are considered to be including myself, wanted to go. It was more moderate than others and our primarily because we were tired of Even though we held immunity, it was way of thinking are different too. moving. I was 14 and all I wanted was not a safe place for foreigners. As Our duty was to live our everyday life stability; all I wanted was to be home. mentioned earlier, Neo-Nazi groups like any other ordinary child. Even existed. The Ukrainian Government though we were given certain luxuries My life in Ukraine started out rugged. could not control this issue because such as travelling in business class Most of the people there did not these groups were so-called “national- and holding diplomatic immunity, it understand or speak English. They ists.” The American Secret Service was important for us to know where spoke Russian and/or Ukrainian. Most advised the diplomatic communities we stand. of them were not exposed to having to stay away from alley ways, and minorities around. They inherited a avoid walking alone in the middle of Furthermore, we not only have to sense of nationalism, a pride of their the night. These Neo-Nazis not only adapt to new surroundings but make own kind, making them hesitant to will attack you; they will kill you as sacrifices as well. At a young age, it accept foreigners. Skinheads and well. As a result, the first few years was not an easy process to say good- other Neo-Nazi-like groups existed, there, we did not leave our homes at bye to our friends and go off to ano- and were known for their hatred of night, for fear of racist attacks. Today, ther country and make new friends. Jews, Asians and other minorities. however, Ukrainians have slowly elimi- Even though I experienced this cycle nated this ideology of racism and are three times, each time was still very We were welcomed warmly by the now more welcoming towards fo- challenging. Malaysian families there, in particular reigners. More and more are learning

A Diplomat who Always Stood Tall By Dr. Pola Singh

17 December 1996 is a date which will It took another 12 agonising days of Minister) who accompanied him back forever be etched in the mind of the negotiation by the Fujimori Govern- to Kuala Lumpur to a hero’s welcome! late Datuk Ahmad Mokhtar Selat. It ment before the Tupac Amaru rebels was on this day that he was held hos- finally released him. And it was none Just two months before the incident, tage with many others at the Japanese other than Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Mokhtar left for Lima to set up and Embassy residence in Lima, Peru. Badawi (now Tun, then the Foreign helm the Malaysian Embassy in Peru.

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donesia, Kuwait, Ve- According to Mokhtar, “Instead of nezuela and Peru also brute force, a holistic approach invol- helped. His vast ex- ving the battle of the hearts and minds perience in the Ma- is needed to fight the scourge.” laysian administrative Besides coordinating the battle and diplomatic ser- against terrorism, Mokhtar was also vice served him well deeply involved in coordinating efforts in all these postings. among ASEAN member countries against transnational crimes, such as Mokhtar left behind a drug trafficking, trafficking of women legacy at the ASEAN and children, and money laundering. Secretariat which was difficult to emulate. Mokhtar certainly left his mark as the I am tough with people, and I am tough with myself. There are no He introduced a se- driving force in bringing about signifi- double standards ~ Datuk Ahmad Mokhtar Selat. ries of cost-saving cant changes to the ASEAN Se- “It was a very traumatic experience. I measures that optimised the use of cretariat. feel that I have been given a new lease the secretariat’s limited resources. of life; now I do not take life for granted Mokhtar stood tall whatever the occa- anymore,” Mokhtar said after his Mokhtar said, “To me, leaving the sion. His trim figure, immaculate release. ASEAN Secretariat equipped with the dressing, impeccable manners and capacity to do more with less gives me sharp wit set him apart from the rest; Despite being given the opportunity to the most satisfying feeling. After all, truly a fine and distinguished diplomat. be reassigned elsewhere, he was we have the best brains from the ten adamant to carry out the duties for member countries and with a bit of This kampung boy was proud to be which he had been assigned. So he tweaking (reorganisation) here and the product of Sekolah Tuanku returned to continue to serve as there, we should be able to harness Muhammad, Kuala Pilah. After com- Malaysian Ambassador to Peru. our full potential.” pleting his Form Six at King George V, Seremban, he pursued his tertiary “Many mistake a diplomat’s life for a Mokhtar led by example. Although he education at Universiti Malaya. He very glamorous one,” he said. “But was not required to clock in and out, later went on to join the Australian they fail to see the not-so-glamorous he insisted on being treated like the National University to earn his Masters side: we are ideal targets for kidnap- rest. With a little bit of help from Degree in International Relations. ping and terrorist activities.” technology, he introduced a new punch clock system which was not To unwind after a hard day’s work, Life can also be very stressful for the open to abuse; the high-tech punch Mokhtar wrote a book on his experi- family as frequent change of postings clock only recognised the staff mem- ence as a hostage in Peru and inten- means never-ending adjustments to a ber’s thumbprint. ded to write his memoirs. His other new environment (climate, language, pleasures in life included a passion for food, culture, schools) and making He made no apologies for his tough art – collecting paintings, sculptures new friends. stand on matters close to his heart: and native hand-woven textiles, just to integrity and a strong sense of ac- name a few. Even so, Mokhtar said he would not countability. He said, “I am tough with trade his profession for anything else people, and I am tough with myself. He extolled such humility and grace. in the world. Wherever he was posted, There are no double standards here”. We will miss him deeply. he had found immense satisfaction in serving his country. His no-nonsense approach certainly This article is a tribute to the late Datuk Ahmad Mokhtar Selat who passed away on 21 January 2015 won him many admirers and grudging and is an edited version of the one published in The I was fortunate enough to work under respect too from his few critics. Star on 23 January 2015.

Mokhtar at the ASEAN Secretariat Photo credit – Dr. Pola Singh. Photo taken at the ASEAN where he held the post of Deputy His personal brush with terrorists in Secretariat office in Jakarta. Secretary-General. He did his best to Peru made him uniquely qualified to infuse the best traditions and best coordinate joint counter-terrorism practices of the Malaysian civil service measures among ASEAN member into the secretariat. His rich experi- countries, especially in stamping out ence gained from his various postings terrorism and denying sanctuary to including India, Korea, New York, In- terrorists on the run.

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Continued from page 6

policymaker engagement and im- tions. However, not every local hire The call to strengthen the ASEAN prove the quality of reporting on can be promoted into a regional hire Secretariat is far from new and sounds ASEAN matters, building stronger position as there are more technical almost like a broken record. As an communications and well-functioning staff positions than there are po- organisation almost reaching middle instruments of public relations pur- sitions to fill at the ORS level. age by human years and moving into poses. the next phase of a post 2015 agenda, Do local hires then stay stuck in their it is time for a stronger, more empo- Adequate Balance of Nationalities positions until retirement, or do all wered ASEAN Secretariat. qualified local hires get promoted As with any large organisation, there contributing to the majority-minority Malaysia as the 2015 ASEAN Chair is are bound to be flaws, and one glaring situation within the Secretariat? Yet, strategically positioned to develop a weakness within the ASEAN Secre- long serving staff acquire technical succession plan for the ASEAN Secre- tariat is the disproportionate represen- knowledge which converts into insti- tariat. As the saying goes ‘leave things tation of nationalities hired. Given that tutional memory that in turn greatly better than you found them’ and in out of the 300 hired staff, a fraction of benefits an organisation like the that vein, Malaysia should lead the those are in fact open to citizens of ASEAN Secretariat. It is a sensitive restructuring process. member states termed openly re- issue but a shift in the recruitment cruited staff (ORS), while the three system is necessary to ensure more Perhaps the meaningful legacy of this highest positions are elected by ORS positions are truly as its name Chairmanship should be to develop a governments on a rotation basis10 . suggests – openly recruited positions. comprehensive ASEC succession plan One rationale is that the hiring process roadmap that ensures ASEAN is sup- for technical positions can be done Another point to consider is what ported as it continues to lead transfor- within Indonesia itself. This is definitely happens to ORS recruits after their mational change within the region.

a cost-saving measure which is tenure with ASEC? It has been noted Natalie is currently an independent praiseworthy as ORS candidates are that other ASEAN member states rally researcher and consultant having often flown in for interviews and are and canvas for their countrymen in the been the Senior Officer Social Welfare, Women, Labour and Migrant Workers entitled to expatriate benefits11 upon recruitment process. There is a so- Division in the Socio-Cultural Coope- recruitment. However, what it creates lidarity built that Malaysia has not ration Directorate of the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. Prior are two challenges. The first is a caught up to. One way to do so is to to which Natalie was a Senior Analyst with the lopsided workforce in terms of na- tap into the expertise of Malaysians Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, the country's premier, autonomous and tionalities when ideally the Secretariat currently serving at the ASEAN Se- non-profit think-tank. She is also a columnist with should be made up of equal repre- cretariat and those who are leaving. theSun, a Malaysian daily and has over 200 articles sentation of nationalities. Secondly, it This group of people have been published under her column On Pointe. She was bestowed the Pingat Pekerti Terpilih (Medal of Great makes promotions of local staff and privileged with valuable perspective, Achievement) for her service to the Malaysian Royal hiring regional staff challenging. Lo- skills, know-how, networks and con- Family and received the Merit Service Award for her work with ISIS Malaysia. Natalie is a Chevening cal staff who have served ASEC tacts which can benefit local agencies Scholar with a Masters in International Studies and know the system well and will always and ministries particularly in strategic Diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London). She has completed ace interviews that are open to ASEAN planning and training. the taught section of the Masters in Strategy and citizens, therefore giving locally re- Defence Studies from University Malaya, Malaysia cruited technical staff the vantage and holds a BA in Sociology from Massey University, Malaysia’s ASEAN Chair Legacy – A New Zealand. Natalie can be contacted at point when applying for ORS posi- Succession Plan Roadmap [email protected]

1 Article written by Natalie Shobana Ambrose at the request of the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations Malaysia for ‘Diplomatic Voice’ 2 Laos (2016), Myanmar (2014) and Malaysia (2015) swapped their terms as ASEAN Chair. In 2011, Indonesia requested for a swap of ASEAN Chairmanship with Brunei Darussalam. 3 Timor Leste applied to join ASEAN as its 11th Member in March 2011. 4 It was first housed at the Department of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia in Jakarta. The existing ASEAN Secretariat at 70A Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Jakarta, was established and officiated in 1981 by the then President of Indonesia, H.E. Soeharto. 5 EU is a larger grouping, made up of more developed nations and has a very different mandate. 6 China is Asia’s fastest growing economy. 7 The ASEAN Secretariat's vision is that by 2015, it will be the nerve centre of a strong and confident ASEAN Community that is globally respected for acting in full compliance with its Charter and in the best interest of its people. 8 "Asian Development Bank." Asian Development Bank. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 April 2015. 9 (1) Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia (2) the Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS) Thailand, (3) the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies (ISDS) Philippines, (4) the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and (5) the Singapore Institute for International Affairs (SIIA). (6) Brunei Darussalam Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (BDIPSS), (7) Laos’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), (8) the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), (9) the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace (CICP) and (10) the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS). 10 There are four ASEAN Vice Secretaries General. Two of them are elected according to the principle of rotation. The two remaining will be elected on the basis of competition among candidates from all member states, but based on the principle that they have to come from different countries. And the country that has its representative holding the ASEAN Secretary General, that country will not have a Deputy Secretary General. 11 Relocation assistance, housing, insurance etc.

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What They Say...

I found it a precious initiative and a very useful personal experience. An exchange of views on public diplomacy between people of different cultural traditions helped a lot to achieve a broader and deeper approach to this particular branch of our profession. The confrontation of approaches towards public diplomacy based on different cultures and societies was the main strength of the workshop. It would be even better if there were more lecturers from Southeast Asia. It was my first visit to Malaysia. I found it familiar in terms of lifestyle. A traditional culture based on the relation between man and nature is still present even in the big capital city. I wish you to keep this way of life as long as possible.

It was a very enriching and thought-provoking workshop. I particularly enjoyed the session on Dr. Pawel Krupka E-diplomacy which provided me with a range of new First Counsellor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Poland insights and concrete ideas for my work at EEAS. (Participant of Asia-Europe The three days were packed with information but Public Diplomacy Training Initiative) nevertheless, left room for many private debates among the participants. The mix of participants from Asia and Europe and the richness they brought to the debate were the strengths of the workshop. The speakers and trainers were simply excellent; you leave the workshop with a much better understanding of EU-Asia relations and how they influence public diplomacy initiatives between the two regions. It was my Bernd Spanier second time visiting Malaysia but the hospitality of Head of Sector HRVP Mogherini Correspondence, Malaysians has never ceased to amaze me – a European External Action Service (EEAS) beautiful place with exceptionally good food and, Germany/United Kingdom above all, extraordinarily nice people. They have (Participant of Asia-Europe Public Diplomacy Training Initiative) made the workshop a most memorable and highly pleasant experience.

It was a very good and comprehensive programme, with an interdisciplinary approach. It not only provided good training and tools for everyday affairs but also many insights into Malaysia’s foreign policy. The benefit gained from the course was the good network-building with participants from Malaysia as well as other countries. It was my fourth time in Malaysia and I love it! I love Jorge Armando Rascon Garcia Head of Economic Affairs, the fact that the country is cosmopolitan with the different races and cultures Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico living in harmony. (Participant of MTCP: Diplomatic Training Course for International Participants 2015)

Francais est en effet un langue pratique (French is indeed a practical language). As an English language academician, I would advocate that all English learners master French too. One out of three words in English was borrowed from French. Knowing French enriches language usage in English in the many domains of our everyday life, be it in the legal, political or architectural sectors. Knowledge of the language has initiated a paradigm shift in my life, especially during my sojourns overseas. In France, I put into practice the French that I have learned.

Chan Mary Education Officer, - Ministry of Education of Malaysia (Participant of French Level I)

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Pre-Posting Orientation Course for Home-Based Staff and Spouses under Sistem Pentadbiran Kerajaan Malaysia di Luar Negara (SPKM) 2/2015 6-10 April 2015 (Grade 38 and below)

MTCP: Workshop on Diplomacy and Security for ASEAN Mid-Level Career 8-21 April 2015 Diplomats 2015 Building Blocks of Good English 13-17 April 2015

IDFR Lecture Series 2/2015: Malaysia’s Role and Agenda in the UN Security 15 April 2015 Council (UNSC) ASEAN Ambassador Lecture Series 1/2015 Malaysia-Indonesia Relations under the Jokowi Administration and Its Impact for the Region 7 May 2015

Effective Writing Skills 1/2015 5 May-8 May 2015

Spanish Level II 5 May-27 August 2015 Pre-Posting Orientation Course for Home-Based Staff and Spouses under Sistem Pentadbiran Kerajaan Malaysia di Luar Negara (SPKM) 3/2015 11-22 May 2015 (Grade 41 and above) MTCP: English Language Course for Diplomacy 2015 20 May-2 June 2015 IDFR-UKM-AUN AEC Forum 21-22 May 2015 ASEAN Ambassador Lecture Series 2/2015: ASEAN and the Regional 27 May 2015 Architecture Panel Discussion on The Maritime Silk Road Belt and Its Implications in 11 June 2015 the Region Pre-Posting Orientation Course for Home-Based Staff and Spouses under Sistem Pentadbiran Kerajaan Malaysia di Luar Negara (SPKM) 4/2015 8-12 June 2015 (Grade 38 and below)

Workshop on Communicating Across Cultures 9-11 June 2015 * Subject to changes

To our colleagues who left us with pleasant To our new colleague who recently joined the IDFR family memories Norfatimah Othman Major (Rtd.) Mohd Ridzuan Hj. Mohd Shariff - end of contract To our colleague who recently had a ‘visit from the stork’ Rabeha Mohamed - transferred to Ministry of Agriculture Azmah Mahmud and Agro-Based Industry Malaysia

To our colleagues who recently took the vows of matrimony Gunaselvan a/l Vail Ida Rosyanti Ishak

Editorial Committee Contributors: Dr. Pola Singh, Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Patron : Dato’ Hussin Nayan Romaiza Abd Rahman, Zanariah Abdul Malek, Sharizan Advisor : Ambassador Aminahtun Haji A. Karim Laily Shaharuddin, Haris Syarwani Razali, Jeanette Daina Editor : Rahimah Yeop Chen, Lim Hui Chin, Eminder Kaur Kawan Singh, Nik Editorial Team : Noraini Awang Nong, Azmah Mahmud Nazarina Nek Mohamed, Dzuita Mohamed, Farhana Mohamed Nor, Elsa Fallida Mohd Subal, Mohd Hail Aniff Mohamad Fauzi, Nur Aqilah Mohd Subari, Syahrul Nizzam Nordin, Ernitasimbolon bt Erwan

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