KUALA LUMPUR – David Malcomson, South Africa’s high commissioner to Malaysia, has good reason to feel positive about the recent political changes in this country, and in more ways than one.
The advent of a new government in Putrajaya following the national polls last month reverberates in him memories of the transition his own nation saw in the wake of its general election some 28 years ago that led to Nelson Mandela, a former prisoner of conscience, being sworn in as president.
“The government of unity that you have is something we recognise because when we achieved our freedom and the African National Congress came into power in 1994, we first formed the government of national unity so that everybody would feel part of the united South Africa.
“This is something that is familiar to us,” he said in an interview with The Vibes.
“We share so many other similarities with Malaysia in terms of the multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multicultural, multi-religious aspects of our societies. So the national quest for unity, stability – these are things we pursue as matters that are dear to Malaysia.”
As with any change in government, Malcomson is certain that stability of the administration will be the factor that will contribute to growth in all areas of bilateral relations.
Malcomson looks forward to engaging with the new cabinet ministers in this unity government and hopes to bring some focus to Africa to seek areas of mutual interest when it comes to trade and investment.
Significantly, November 2023 will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Malaysia.
“We very much welcome the successful conclusion of the recent general election and welcome Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim coming into power,” Malcomson said.
“He is someone that we know very well. He is someone we’ve known for many years. Someone we regard as a friend to South Africa.
“We very much regard him as someone we can do business with, who has an interest in the relationship, and taking the relationship forward on a win-win basis,” he added, referring to the Pakatan Harapan chairman who previously served multiple years in prison following charges laid amid politically charged backdrops.
Malcomson added that even though South Africa had a small Muslim population, it is in the top five to seven global producers of halal retail products. Sixty per cent of all South African retail products are halal certified.
Malaysian investors could explore the halal industry in South Africa and use the infrastructures, retail and banking links to export into the African market, which is now an integrated market and which South Africa has a competitive advantage that Malaysia could use.
“We could benefit from Malaysia being the gold standard for halal certification. It’s a win-win that we should be exploring,” he said.
On the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on tourism, South Africa decided to fully open to domestic tourism after the first hard lockdown which lasted three months. By November 2020, the country had reopened its borders to international tourism.
South Africa has always been a popular destination for tourists from Malaysia. Unfortunately, the cessation of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur many years ago has made it less convenient for Malaysians to visit the country without layovers.
Malcomson hopes that one day direct flights from Kuala Lumpur will be re-established. – The Vibes, December 10, 2022
