JUNE 29 — The Philippine embassy held their Independence Day (June 12) celebrations on May 24, in deference to Ramadan.
And true to Filipino musical heritage, guests were treated to a mini concert headlined by opera singer Rachel Gerodias, with support from bass baritone Andrew Fernando and others. They performed well-loved Filipino classics. Then, a very familiar tune came on and what do we see — ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya III on piano, as the duo performed Phantom of the Opera’s “All I ask of you.”
Not many holding a notable public office can come through unassuming as Malaya. We had a good chat a few days ago at his embassy.
On Malaya
No, his surname does not denote any historical connection to our country, at least not to his knowledge.
The embassy is located at 1, Changkat Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur, which was once a residence of our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. It was purchased from his family in 1987.
Malaya, a law graduate, joined the Foreign Service 30 years ago. His father, a district judge, had suggested that he could look for a more “exciting” career when Malaya was checking out law firms. A course-mate mentioned taking the Foreign Service entrance exams.
He was assigned here in September 2011. Kuala Lumpur is considered a class “A” diplomatic destination, just below Washington DC and Beijing. Each posting is for a period of between three and six years.
On the average, only five per cent of ambassadorial assignments are political appointments, except during the Arroyo administration when it rose to about 25 per cent. Malaya had earlier served in New York, Brussels, Chicago and San Francisco. The Philippines has 84 Foreign Service establishments, comprising 59 embassies, 21 consulates general and four permanent missions; three to the United Nations and one to Asean.
Beneath the down-to-earth persona of Malaya is a man who readily excels in administration and the academia. Two offices he headed — the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Legal Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in KL, had received the DFA “Best Organisation” Award in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
He has written five books, with Philippines-Malaysia Agreements (1962-2014): Cornerstones of a Partnership being the latest. They are all on the reading lists in Philippines’ top universities.
As of last December, Malaysia was Philippines 10th largest trading partner with total trade amounting to US$271.5 million (RM1.1 billion). About 550,000 Filipinos visited us last year making them the seventh largest in the tourism visits sector.
There are around 200 Filipino companies operating in Malaysia. Some of the bigger names are Petron Malaysia, PLDT Malaysia, URC Snack Foods, Century Motolite Car Battery, LBC Malaysia and Unam Pharmaceutical. Petron operates some 700 petrol stations.
Malaya has been married to Rena Cristina, an obstetrician-gynecologist for 12 years and they have two sons and a daughter.
On Duterte
“Not since the 1950s, in the person of Ramon Magsaysay, has a Philippine leader energised and electrified the Filipino nation, until now, in the person of Rodrigo Duterte,” boomed Malaya in a statement issued shortly after their May 9 general election.
He further clarified that the president-elect brings with him a different kind of authoritative, not to be mistaken with authoritarian, leadership, which is not at all undemocratic. He is confident many will come to terms with Duterte’s unorthodox ways.
I truly believe the statement is merely DFA’s effort in putting matters in perspective.They are convinced Duterte is the right man in the right place and at the right time.
An aide had said that Duterte intentionally exaggerates to see reactions.
When the presidential candidates were first announced, Duterte appeared like the oddball among these big national figures like Max Roxas, Grace Poe, Jejomar Binay and Miriam Defensor.
Malaya offered that Philippines could have had too many “intellectual” leaders already and, while prime ministers or presidents pontificate, it is the mayors who pick up the garbage. That last bit could have most succinctly summed up the electorates’ mood.
How about the never-ending Sabah issue? I think we can look forward to Duterte as the Filipino leader who will “take the bull by the horns” and seek a permanent resolve.
On the Moro conflict, he has said that the historical injustices against Bangsa Moro must be addressed before real peace can be achieved. He knows first-hand the issues involved as he came from the Mindanao region and he has Muslim “blood” from his mother’s side.
I am excited that there finally is a top political leadership of Duterte’s mould. He see things in the least complicated manner and prescribes solutions in the most straightforward style. There will be much less “talk shops” in his administration and conversely, more action.
The only commonality with Donald Trump is their style of plain speaking. Otherwise, one has zero-tolerance for all criminal activities while the other’s intolerance hinges on creed and nationalities. In style and substance, Duterte’s may be closer to Boris Johnson.
Tomorrow, Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be sworn in as the 16th president of the Philippines. I share in their nation’s joy.
Postscript
The six-year one-term presidency introduced in 1986 has resulted in incumbents’ emphasis on leaving legacies rather than on the intense re-election bids. Gratuitous politicking has been reduced.
Many years ago, I read in an encyclopedia that the purest Malays are found in Philippines. In the 70s, when official forms had the race section, the options provided were — Malay, Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Others.
Filipinos still cite Malay as their race if they are not any of the rest.Malaya (left) accompanies Gerodias and Fernando in their rendition of ‘All I Ask of You’ at Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur on May 24.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
