Sunday November 29, 2009
Most developing countries trust Malaysia's maritime role, says Tee Keat
By CHOI TUCK WO
LONDON: Malaysia’s re-election to the International Maritime Organisation Council reflects the confidence that more than 80% of the developing nations in the 169 member states have in the country.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said they trust Malaysia to continue playing a leading role in regulating maritime activities.
“We are now able to voice our concerns and ensure Malaysian interests are protected in the international arena,” he said in response to Malaysia winning the seat for the third time in a hard-fought contest on Friday.
It obtained 118 votes to secure ninth spot in the council’s Category C for countries with maritime and navigational interests, up from the joint 10th-11th position in 2007.
Malaysia was among 26 countries vying for 20 seats in the elections.
Ong, who led a 16-member delegation in campaigning for the post, said the increased votes and higher ranking was a welcome surprise.
“I noticed other member states pulling out all the stops to lobby for votes,” he said, adding that the result was another feather in the cap.
Ong said there was positive feedback from member states highlighting Malaysia’s contribution to international maritime issues.
Malaysia, he added, was a recipient of the IMO Bravery Award in recognition of the country’s involvement in counter piracy naval operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.
He noted that the problem in the two areas was distressing and must be addressed immediately.
Ong said Malaysia had also played a significant role in the Co-operative Mechanism in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore to enhance navigational safety and environmental protection.
He said Malaysia must continue to play its part in tackling the challenges to the shipping industry and its regulators given the downturn in global trade arising from the financial crisis.
One of IMO’s most challenging tasks was to continue to ensure the safety and security of international shipping, he said.
“We must seek to obtain as much participation as possible from the 169 member states,” he said, adding that the protection of marine environment also deserved immediate action.
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