Communication blunder by diplomats embarrasses UAE, Malaysia during PM’s visit

Kuala Lumpur, April 11 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KLN), in reference to a Free Malaysia Today (FMT) article on 10 April 2022 on the visit of YAB Prime Minister, Dato ‘Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 29-31 March 2022, issued a clarifying press release.

KLN expressed regrets about the published article by FMT, as it not only contains inaccurate information but is a baseless and speculative accusation.

KLN stated that the Malaysian Ambassador to the UAE and its Consul-General have been recalled, as the two Heads of Delegation failed to coordinate administrative matters and logistics for the visit of the PM, as it is based on Permanent Operating Procedures (SOPs) for high-level visits abroad state.

“These failures include the YAB PM having to wait a long time at the regular arrival space for passport clearance at Dubai Immigration. In addition, coverage and safety as well as motorcade movement that should be provided for YAB Prime Minister, as per the usual SOP practice, was not arranged by the two diplomats”

In situations such as when the host government does not provide guest status, it is the responsibility of the Malaysian Head of Delegation to provide coverage and safety and a motorcade.

KLN clarified that the PM visited Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 29-31 March 2022, in conjunction with the Dubai 2020 Expo, which successfully achieved the targeted objectives.

“Based on the content of the FMT article, it is clear that the sources referred to or quoted instead of coming from officials or parties directly involved in handling the arrangements of the visit.”

During the visit, the PM attended the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Pavilion and an appreciation ceremony for officers and staff of the Malaysian Pavilion at the Expo.

The PM also attended several signing ceremonies of Memorandums of Understanding between Malaysian and international companies, in conjunction with the Dubai 2020 Expo. Additionally, the PM held meetings with the Keluarga Malaysia in Dubai.

In addition to the original purpose of his visit, and through the initiative of the accompanying top leadership of KLN, the PM attended the closing ceremony of the World Government Summit (WGS) on March 30. During this ceremony, the YAB Prime Minister met with the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

At noon on March 30, Dato Saifuddin Abdullah had a meeting with Dubai’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy.

“It was only through the meeting, that KLN’s leadership were alerted to YAB PM’s invitation to attend the WGS Closing Ceremony on the evening of March 30.”

“The two officers also failed to inform KLN in Putrajaya about the organization of WGS held within the Dubai Expo Area. KLN only found out about WGS on the morning of March 30 through other sources.”

Had KLN’s top leadership been informed early on about the organization of WGS, efforts have been made for the PM to deliver a speech at the program, read the press release.

The UAE government accorded YAB Prime Minister all the facilities as Head of Government until the end of the visit, as well as a static guard of honor at Al Maktoum International Airport during his departure. The UAE was represented by the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Economy, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama.

While at the airport, Omar bin Sultan presented the invitation of the UAE Government to the PM to deliver the Keynote Address at WGS in 2023.

“The act of recalling the two officers is not unusual and was made after consultation with relevant parties, including the Department of Public Service (JPA). It is taken to safeguard the interests of bilateral relations between Malaysia and the countries concerned, in addition to ensuring competence and the importance of public service,” said the ministry.

NMT