PETALING JAYA: Malaysia hosted a coffee break reception during the 32nd International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly, where it is vying for one of 20 places to retain her seat in Category C of the IMO Assembly for the 2022-2023 biennium.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) said that winning the election would secure Malaysia a ninth term as a council member.

       "It would be a fitting celebration of her 50th anniversary as an IMO member state since 1971," he said on Facebook on Friday (Dec 10).

       On Thursday (Dec 9), Dr Wee had said that Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to reciprocate over each other’s candidature in the IMO 2022-23.

       He had said the understanding was reached when he met Thai Ambassador to the United Kingdom Pisanu Suvanajata at a dinner reception held at the Royal Thai Embassy in London on Tuesday (Dec 7).

       “Being staunch partners in Asean, Malaysia and Thailand have reached an understanding of the candidature," he had said.