PETALING JAYA: Four Malaysians, including Environment and Water Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, will be conferred decorations by the Japanese government for strengthening the bonds between both countries.The Japanese embassy said Zaini would be awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.

       It added that Zaini had made outstanding contributions in strengthening the Look East Policy during his tenure in the Education Ministry.

       “As the Environment and Water Ministry secretary-general, he took an important role in deepening the bilateral relations in the fields of energy, environment and water by promoting water-related projects such as improvement of non-revenue water and construction of sewage treatment plants,” it said in a statement.

       Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Som, former foreign ministry secretary-general, will also be awarded the same honours as Zaini.

       Silverlake Axis Ltd founder Goh Peng Ooi will be awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his business contributions and for promoting economic exchanges between Japan and Malaysia.

       Former embassy staff Roslaile Abdul Hamed will be conferred The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays for her 22 years of service under the economic section.