KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign heads of mission say the accession of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia augurs well for a stable and prosperous nation.
Singapore High Commissioner Vanu Gopala Menon, who is the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, said Sultan Ibrahim is widely admired and respected across the country for his dedication to improving the lives of his subjects.
“This was particularly evident in Johor, where His Majesty has touched the lives of many through the Kembara Mahkota Johor and his personal attention and support for Johoreans in times of need.
“With His Majesty’s wise counsel, I am confident that ties between Malaysia and Singapore will continue to strengthen for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” he said.
He wished Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, good health and happiness, and every success during His Majesty’s reign as King of Malaysia.
“We look forward to welcoming His Majesty to Singapore for a State Visit soon,” he said, adding that the diplomatic corps were also eager to engage with the new King and Queen.
British High Commissioner Ailsa Terry said Sultan Ibrahim is going to be a dynamic sovereign for Malaysia at an important time and as Malaysia prepares to take on the Asean chair in 2025.
She said she had the honour of having an audience with Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah last September.
“It was a pleasure to discuss the UK-Malaysia relationship with His Majesty. I was struck by Their Majesties’ passion and commitment to the well-being, security and prosperity of the people of Malaysia.
“There are longstanding and warm bonds between our Royal families, and I look forward to strengthening the UK-Malaysia modern partnership still further under his reign,” she added.
Thai Ambassador Lada Phumas said she strongly believed that under Sultan Ibrahim’s reign, Malaysia would be blessed with His Majesty’s kind wisdom and continue to be united and prosperous.
“The Royal Thai Embassy remains committed to further strengthening Thailand and Malaysia’s cordial friendship and close ties, happily enjoyed by both sides, for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples,” she added.
Egyptian Ambassador Ragai Nasr said Sultan Ibrahim is known for being steadfast and for upholding good governance, and also for his love and concern for the people.
“I believe under His Majesty’s guidance, Malaysia will witness a new era of progress and prosperity for people at all levels.
“I also expect that the excellent relations between Malaysia and Egypt will witness further enhancement and progress,” he said, adding that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi sent a congratulatory letter to His Majesty last November.
Brazilian Ambassador Ary Norton de Murat Quintella commended Malaysia for the unique rotating monarchy system for the Head of State.
“It is a peaceful and healthy one, and that is to be admired. I warmly congratulate His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim on his becoming the new King. On behalf of Brazil, I wish him a very successful reign.”
Austrian Ambassador Andreas Launer, in his congratulatory note, said international cooperation and inter-cultural understanding is becoming more important than ever.
“I would therefore be delighted about future opportunities to present ideas to the King on how to further intensify cooperation between our two countries. May Malaysia continue to prosper under His Majesty’s reign. Daulat Tuanku!” he added.
