ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP: “MALAYSIA, WE DID IT” - FAHMI

By Nurul Hanis Izmir

SEPANG, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- “We did it, Malaysia. Malaysians, we did it.”

That was the heartfelt expression of pride and gratitude from Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil after hearing praise, including from Timor-Leste delegates, for Malaysia’s efficiency and hospitality throughout the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, which concluded yesterday.

Fahmi said several senior Timor-Leste officials he met had expressed admiration for the professionalism and courtesy of Malaysian personnel, including liaison officers (LOs) from the Health Ministry who accompanied their delegation.

“They told me the Malaysian LOs were exceptionally polite, fluent and well-informed, ensuring guests felt comfortable and well-attended to.

“This success as host was not the result of one ministry alone, but the collective effort of the entire government machinery,” he told Bernama at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today.

Earlier, Fahmi bade farewell to Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and his delegation, who departed for Dili at 12.30 pm after arriving in Malaysia on Oct 24 to attend the summit.

Fahmi described the 47th ASEAN Summit as a historic milestone with Timor-Leste’s official admission as the bloc’s 11th member -- a significant achievement under Malaysia’s chairmanship.

“I’m deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to welcome and send off the Timor-Leste delegation. They were the first to arrive and the last to leave, and I’m truly grateful for the trust placed in us,” he said.

Fahmi said he was touched and proud to witness the close collaboration among all government agencies that ensured the smooth running of the summit.

“We discussed various topics with our counterparts from Timor-Leste. With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on media and telecommunications cooperation, it is now time for us to move swiftly to realise the spirit of Timor-Leste’s participation,” he said.

Timor-Leste is also keen to expand media collaboration and professional training initiatives with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) through its official news agency, Agencia Noticiosa de Timor-Leste (TATOLI).

Fahmi described Gusmao as one of the most outstanding leaders he has met -- humble, charismatic and warm in his interactions with journalists and the public.

“Among all the leaders I’ve encountered, the Timor-Leste Prime Minister stands out for his character and humility. The way he engages with the media and the people shows why he is deeply beloved in his country.

“We wish our new friends in Timor-Leste the very best. Malaysia will always stand with them,” he said.

Fahmi added that Timor-Leste had expressed interest in hosting an ASEAN Summit within the next four years, although the nation would need time to strengthen its infrastructure and media facilities.

“I shared that about 2,900 journalists covered this year’s summit. They were surprised by the scale but eager to start planning early. I believe Malaysia will continue to assist them, not only in media professionalism but also in administrative and logistical aspects,” he said.

-- BERNAMA