PUTRAJAYA: The well-being of Malaysians who are currently based in Covid-19 stricken countries is one of the Foreign Ministry’s top priorities, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.
The newly-minted Foreign Minister said this when when asked on his game plan involving Malaysians living or sent for missions in countries that were seriously affected by the outbreak.
“That is a priority. We can actually do a lot because the Covid-19 virus outbreak affects the whole world and we have strong relations with countries that are going through this situation.
“Wisma Putra can play an important role in helping the government since Covid-19 is affecting our economy and the psychology of our Malaysians and if not managed properly, we will face consequences.
“The best way is to get the best practices from all affected countries out there, in terms of actions they have taken so far and this is among the things I have started doing today,” he told a press conference after clocking in for his first day at Wisma Putra, here, today.
According to Hishammuddin, he would also raise the Covid-19 issue to his counterparts in China, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) among others, in order for them to find the best solution that could cater to all.
Asked if he thought Malaysians in Covid-19 stricken countries should be brought home, Hishammuddin said the decision would have to be made by the Cabinet.
“Wisma Putra cannot decide this on our own. We can present our findings to the Cabinet and this is what we are doing, to find the best practices available.
“Countries like Italy, Iran and especially China, have gone through this earlier than us. So, let’s see what they have come up with and if they are relevant, we can use them (their measures) in Malaysia."
On Malaysia’s relation with India which turned sour last year due to the palm oil crisis, Hishammuddin assured that the strained relationship would improve.
Although Malaysia is seen as a small nation compared to other powerful countries, Hishammuddin said the country can still shake the world through the Asean bloc.
“We don’t live on an island and Malaysia is not a huge superpower, so let’s face the facts.
“But, a small country like Malaysia can still shake the world if we ensure good relations with countries that are considered as the shakers of the world.
“This is something that I’d like to navigate. This (involves other countries), so we have to make informed decisions involving other ministers too,” he said.
After the swearing-in ceremony at Istana Negara yesterday, Hishammuddin had attended a Cabinet meeting earlier today, chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin before clocking in at the Foreign Ministry.
In his speech when addressing the ministry’s officers, Hishammuddin expressed hope that they would be able to accept him and that he had great plans for the ministry.
“I am here to get guidance on our policies from the ministry’s (officers). I was hoping you would be happy to see me. And based on the welcome I received just now, I feel overwhelmed and touched that you are able to welcome me into your family,” he said.