KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been a highly responsible member of the international community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic with the guidance of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

       Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Malaysia who is also the Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, said Malaysia demonstrated a generosity of spirit to other countries, such as donating vaccines even when the government was tackling the difficult Covid-19 situation at home.

       Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps in Malaysia at the investiture ceremony for federal awards and honours at Istana Negara yesterday, he said for the last two years, Malaysia had to deal with the debilitating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

       However, he said the country managed to navigate and overcome many of these challenges and His Majesty had provided confidence and reassurance to the citizens during uncertain and difficult times, Bernama reported.

       “With Your Majesty’s wise counsel and support, the Malaysian government was also able to decisively tackle Covid-19.

       “For example, Your Majesty encouraged Malaysians to take the Covid-19 booster shots and urged the people to observe good health practices during Hari Raya. Such initiatives brought Malaysians together to fight the virus,” he said.

       He added that as Malaysia transitioned to treating Covid-19 as endemic, it was timely for all to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday and leadership.

       Ending his speech, Vanu conveyed diplomatic corps’ congratulatory and well wishes to Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah for good health, happiness and success on this occasion.