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In line with the advice given by Wisma Putra, the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok had opened two condolence books following the sudden and untimely demise of Almarhum Sultan Iskandar of Johor and H.E. Tun Muhamad Ghazali Shafie on 22 and 24 January 2010 respectively.

Throughout the 4-day period, a total of 32 people had visited the Embassy to pen their condolence messages. YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister of Defence was the first to pen the condolence message as he made a brief stop at the Embassy in the morning of 25 January 2010. Also in the delegation of YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were YB Senator Dato’ Khalid Ahmad and YB Dato’ Hj. Abdul Halim Suleiman, ADUN Puteri Wangsa of Johor.

 

From the Thai Government’s side, H.E. DPM Suthep Thaugsuban and three other full Ministers visited the Embassy to pay their last respect. Also present was Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Adding to the list were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and the Advisor to the Minister of Interior who accompanied their Minister to the Embassy.

 

From the foreign diplomatic group, 9 were represented at the Ambassadorial level, 6 at DCM level and 2 at other levels. We also received a good number of visitors from Malaysian community in Bangkok following the announcement that we made on the website and the email that we sent to Kelab Malaysia – Thailand (KMT) and Malaysia – Thai Chambers of Commerce (MTCC). The top management of Inter-Continental Hotel in Bangkok also sent a number of its senior managers to record down their condolences owing to the fact that  the hotel was Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s favourite choice when ever HRH travelled to Bangkok in the past.  The Military Hospital was represented by its Director from the Pharmaceutical Medical Centre.

 

The presence of H.E. DPM Suthep Thaugsuban and other high ranking Cabinet Ministers from the Thai side reflected the special relations that both countries enjoy which transcends mere formal diplomatic relations. Almarhum Sultan of Johore, for instance, used to frequent Bangkok in the past and HRH had had treatment at the Military Hospital in Bangkok. Last year alone, HRH came to Bangkok twice in March and November for private visits. Meanwhile, the late Tun Muhamad Ghazali Shafie was a person with towering personality throughout his illustrious career as a civil servant and politician which earned him respect from his friends and foes.

 

 

Malawakil Bangkok

29 January 2010