Malaysia Names Indonesian VP’s Brother Honorary Consul

Makassar, 14 Muharram 1438/15 October 2016 (MINA) – Well-known Indonesian businessman and politician Halim Kalla was today officially appointed as Malaysia’s Honorary Consul to the Sulawesi Islands region.

Halim, 59, received the letter of appointment for the post from the Yang Dipertuan Agong, which was presented to him by Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, Anadolu and Bernama reported.

In conjunction with the appointment, Zahrain also officiated the opening of the Malaysian Honorary Consulate office in Sulawesi, an idea initiated by Halim, at Wisma Kalla here.

The new consulate was inaugurated earlier this week by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datok Sri Najib bin Abdul Razak, who expressed hope the consulate would help improve cooperation between the countries in several sectors, including the economy, education, tourism and labor.

“I hope that this consulate can enhance existing bilateral relations, especially cooperation between Malaysia and South Sulawesi, which date back to the 18th century,” Najib said.

He also hoped the consulate could solve several outstanding issues between the countries, including illegal migrant workers.

“The consulate will let people who want to work in Malaysia know about Malaysian labor laws and regulations,” Najib said.

To accommodate growing bilateral relations, two Malaysian airlines would open direct flights from Malaysia to Makassar as early as next year, he said.
(T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)