SYED Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin @ Syed Hussin, Malaysia’s new Ambassador to Indonesia, is expected to begin his official tour of duty in Jakarta by the end of this month or early March.

Syed Hasrin, who will fill the position that has been vacant for almost two years, served in numerous countries, including Indonesia, as deputy chief of mission from 2010 to 2013, according to Chargé d’affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia Adlan Mohd Shaffieq.

He most recently served as Malaysia’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.

“We will inform the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of his arrival in Jakarta so that a date will be determined for the handover of the appointment letter to President Joko Widodo,” said Adlan.

He was met at the Chinese New Year celebration event, hosted by Malaysia Chambers Jakarta (MCJ) yesterday.

Syed Hasrin will be briefed by 11 central government agencies on the activities and substantive focus carried out in Jakarta as soon as he lands, said Adlan.

The workforce, enhancing collaboration between the two nations in the palm oil industry, unresolved disputes surrounding maritime demarcation, and other topics will be given priority.

On the appointment of Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to Asean in Jakarta following the vacancy for almost a year, he indicated the announcement would be made shortly.

Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir would soon accredit the career diplomat, he added, adding that his name is already known.

Earlier in his speech at the event, Adlan said “we had a very good start to 2023,” and thanked MCJ for organising diaspora dinners and joining engagements with visiting ministers since January.

“We had the visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim early this year and then we had the visit of Foreign Minister followed by the visit of Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof,” he said. – Bernama, February 12, 2023.