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MALAYSIAN DIPLOMATS: OUR STORIES

and I was a struggling junior diplomat then. I had delivered a speech at
the First Committee, United Nations condemning Israel for the atrocities
against the Palestinians.

But addressing His Majesty was a f rst for me. T ere was etiquette and
protocol to be observed, so I sought the advice of colleagues at Istana Negara.
I made my introduction in Malay with all the formalities of the Court
Language, and subsequently apologised and sought His Majesty’s permission
to speak in English for the sake of my Chilean guests. I felt elated, excited
and humbled.

T e Bafochi Ballet Dance Troupe Santiago put on a grand cultural
performance of Chilean folk tales and modern dances. A school principal,
Marlene Dumont Soto, who went to Malaysia under the MTCP, also
organised a children’s performance by her school, Liceo Victor Jara de La
Pintana, named after a famous Chilean poet.

It was truly a glittering dinner as the weather was kind. T e moon draped
the canopy with its glowing light and the stars twinkled in the evening sky. It
was an enchanting fairy-tale evening to be cherished. Missing was Cinderella
with her horses, mouse, pumpkin and glass slippers.

After 34 years …
After 34 years, someone asked me how I would sum up in one word my years
in Wisma Putra. Despite my share of trials and tribulations, my unhesitating
answer was “enriching.” T is surprised me more as I had never thought about
it. I was then asked to elaborate further.

Among others, as ambassador, I had the privilege and honour of receiving
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah accompanied by
some members of the Cabinet and captains of industry, on an of cial visit to
Timor-Leste less than a month after presenting my credentials to President
Xanana Gusmao. I was not only the f rst Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-
Leste, but it was my f rst posting as an ambassador. T e visit was the f rst by
a Head of State after Timor-Leste’s independence. T ree days after the visit,
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad retired as Prime Minister having served the
country for 21 years.

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