The Governor of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak was the guest-of-honour at the gathering of consuls held at the G Hotel here recently.
Among those present was the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China and Chairman Consular Corps of Penang, His Excellency Mr. Zhou Youbin, Ms. Suratchaya Palavongse, Acting Consul General of Thailand, Dato’ Seri Abdul Rafique Karim, Honorary Consul General of Pakistan and Chairman Honorary Consular Corps Malaysia, Dato’ Shaik Ismail Allaudin, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh and Secretary General of Honorary Consular Corps Malaysia, Datuk Hamzah Ahmad, Chief Police Officer of Penang among others.
In his address Fuzi shared that diplomacy, as an art of negotiations to resolve conflicts and to achieve amicable solutions to important global issues, has never been put to a greater test and under more serious challenge.
“Developing countries like Malaysia has to navigate the delicate balance in the midst of contending powers within a multi-polar world, to protect its national interest, and to find its rightful place as a member of the international community.
“In this regard, Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, has provided a window of opportunity to demonstrate its leadership, intellectual prowess as well as diplomatic, communication and negotiating skills to strengthen bilateral relations, resolve outstanding issues and promote closer collaboration to further enhance regional integration.
“Malaysia can also play a positive role at the international level in contributing to the attainment of a global multi-polar system, guided by the rule of law, that is seen to be more fair and just in the interest of the broader members of the international community. I hope that the country will be able to meet the obligations and commitments placed upon the leadership during this most challenging period”, he said in his speech.
He also added that Malaysia, as a member of the UN, has its own Consul-Generals, Consuls or Honorary Consuls appointed by the government of Malaysia in various capitals and cities overseas. Similarly there are more than 65 Consul-Generals, Consuls and Honorary Consuls based in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Whilst Consul-Generals, Consuls and Honorary Consuls are not expected to be directly involved with resolving complex bilateral or multilateral issues on behalf of the government they represent, the supportive role that you can play within the mandate prescribed, should not be underestimated.
“In the current age of economic and digital diplomacy, Consul-Generals, Consuls and Honorary Consuls, leveraging on their power of influence, local knowledge, deep understanding of local issues and extensive personal contacts locally, can contribute significantly to enhancing bilateral relations with Malaysia and with Penang in particular, in all fields, including trade, investment, tourism and culture, education and science and technology.
In conclusion, the governor also expressed that the State government of Penang on its part will be happy to provide and facilitate whatever support and cooperation necessary in enabling them to fulfil their obligations and responsibilities.
The evening also served to foster camaraderie and fellowship among guests.
