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MALAYSIAN DIPLOMATS: OUR STORIES

had sent reporters to Malaysia to cover the trial. Replying to his questions, I
told him that the issue was not discussed and that since the crime happened
in Malaysia, the brothers were trialled in a Malaysian court, and therefore,
should serve their sentences according to Malaysian law.

Under the government of President Calderon, Mexico’s position was to
respect the Malaysian court’s decision. However, under his successor,
President Pena Nieto, Mexico wanted the brothers to be spared from the
gallows and sent back to Mexico. According to reliable sources, the Villareal
family sought President Pena Nieto’s help with the case. After I left Mexico,
I read in the Malaysian newspaper that the King had pardoned the brothers
and they were sent back to Mexico. T e Mexican Ambassador in Malaysia
must have been working very hard to get them back to Mexico and to fulf l
the promise of the President to the Villareal family.

Invitation by State Governors and Mayors
Mexico is made up of 31 states and many cities. T ey are free to organise
their own events or festivals using their own budget. T ey will always invite
foreign diplomats to attend such events.

T e f rst invitation I received was from the Governor of Oaxaca, who hosted
the Guelaguetza Festival, a cultural celebration where representatives from
the 16 dif erent ethnolinguistic groups celebrate their diverse traditions
and cultures. Each costume and dance have a local, indigenous, historical,
and cultural meaning. I was thrilled and entertained by the beautiful
performances. It was indeed an eye-opener for someone who had just arrived
in Mexico.

Every year, the city of San Miguel de Allende organises the ‘El Encuentro
Internacional de Convivencia’ (International Encounter for Coexistence).
Under this event, the mayor invites several volunteers in the city to host one
Resident Ambassador. T e mayor will assign one ambassador to a host and
the host will be introduced to the ambassador in a ceremony at the town
hall. T e host family will then accompany the ambassador to participate in a
parade representing the ambassador’s country followed by a musical concert
organised by the mayor. T e f nal programme for the day will be a private
dinner arranged by the host.

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