KUALA LUMPUR – The United States and Malaysia will continue to build on their 66 years of diplomatic ties with strong partnerships in the economy and security, new US Ambassador-designate to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said.
This has been shown in US’ investments in Malaysia, which totalled RM38 billion last year, he said in a video message on YouTube and on the embassy’s Facebook page.
“Our (US) companies created more than 10,000 high paying skilled jobs for Malaysians, helped advance Malaysia’s transition to renewable energy, and supported Malaysian communities, including helping women and girls advance in science and technology,” Kagan said.
Collectively, the US private sector here is by far the largest group of investors in Malaysia, he added.
Kagan is returning to Malaysia as ambassador, succeeding Brian D. McFeeters, who has ended his posting after serving here since February 2021.
Previously, Kagan was Deputy Chief of Mission at the embassy here from 2014 to 2017.
The career diplomat has spent 14 years in the Indo-Pacific region.
Showing his familiarity with Bahasa Melayu, he recited short poem to state that he was still learning the national language:
“Sorong papan tarik papan,
Buah keranji dalam perahu,
Nama saya Edgard Kagan,
Saya masih belajar Bahasa Melayu.”
Kagan said he and his family felt very lucky to be back in Malaysia as they appreciated the country’s multicultural society, dynamic and growing economy, beautiful landscapes and “extraordinary people”.
Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia had secured RM63.02 billion in proposed investments in the United States, mainly from technology giants.
Of the figure, RM8.33 billion were from trade and investment missions to the US held before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting which was held from November 11 to 17.
The remaining investments were from various one-on-one meetings held by Anwar during his visit to the US. – December 29, 2023