GOVERNMENT COMMENDS CIVIL SERVANTS' EFFORTS AHEAD OF AMM RETREAT - SHAMSUL AZRI

By Yasmin Ahmad Zukiman

LANGKAWI, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The government expressed its appreciation today to all civil servants involved in the work and preparations leading up to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' (AMM) Retreat on January 18 and 19, here.

The Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, said that the involvement of all parties in ensuring the success of the first event marking Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN 2025 reflects the concept of a whole-of-government approach.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the Foreign Ministry Secretary General, Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zain, and the chief executive officer of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, as well as to all those involved, including the State Government, Langkawi Municipal Council, District and Land Office, Immigration Department, and Customs Department. All parties have worked together effectively."

“This is what we mean by the whole-of-government approach, where all parties carry out their duties to promote ASEAN," he said.

Shamsul Azri, who arrived in Langkawi today to review preparations for the AMM Retreat, said that planning for the event has been progressing smoothly and efficiently so far.

Earlier, he officiated the flag-off ceremony of 30 e-hailing cars from three corporate companies, namely Grab Malaysia, MyCar, and RODEO, which are also participating in promoting Malaysia's Chairmanship, at the Lang Merah Complex.

On the participation of the corporate companies, Shamsul Azri expressed his appreciation for their noble efforts in celebrating Malaysia's leadership role, the fifth time it has led the regional grouping since its establishment in 1967. 

Meanwhile, Grab Malaysia managing director Adelene Foo said the company is proud to support the government’s leadership role in championing ASEAN’s vision of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as Malaysia begins its chairmanship of ASEAN.

“This aligns with our mission to empower communities through accessible technology and innovative solutions, driving a more inclusive and sustainable future.

“We look forward to working together to create meaningful opportunities for communities in Malaysia and across the region,” she said.

MyCar chief executive officer Datuk Noor Sheena Maideen said this marks the first time the Bumiputera-owned e-hailing company is involved with ASEAN.

“We have 10 cars promoting ASEAN in Langkawi. For this event, we are offering a promo code for RM2 off for a one-time ride,” she said, adding that MyCar has 1,700 registered drivers in Langkawi.

Additionally, she said that MyCar, which began operations in 2017, has previously been involved as a strategic partner in several official events such as the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism (MAHA), Defence Services Asia (DSA), and National Security Asia (NATSEC).

Malaysia officially assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN 2025 on January 1. Over 300 key meetings and programmes are scheduled to take place across the country throughout the year.

Malaysia has previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

-- BERNAMA