Malaysia retained its seat in IMO council

Malaysian Transport Minister, Anthony Loke.

Malaysia not only managed to retain its seat for the eighth consecutive term at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council under Category C during a recent re-election.  It also won a record number of votes with 142 out of 165 member countries,in London, 29th November 2019. Malaysia has now held its seat on the IMO Council with a higher vote tally, earning the third-highest spot after Singapore and Malta.

“With a record number of votes, Malaysia is placed in the top three and this in itself is history in the making,” Anthony Loke, Malaysian Transport Minister said after the results were read out by the secretary-general of the IMO, Kitack Lim, who considered the election as “most competitive”.

Mr. Loke, led a 30-strong delegation consisting of officers from the ministry, the Naval Department, port authorities as well as main players in the nation’s maritime industry, considered the win as a mandate for Malaysia to carry out its responsibilities to developing nations that look up to it as a role model.

“Malaysia’s win to be re-elected is most historic because we have received a record number of votes. We received 142 votes, which means 142 countries from the whole world supported Malaysia.” Mr. Loke said.

“Malaysia must continue to support, contribute input and technical cooperation to developing nations.”

“The support is not seasonal, to be given only during an election.”

“I hope that this victory will inject the spirit in us to strive to be the best. Now we are number 3 and in 2021, we must be number 1. We must also strive and work hard to move to category B by 2025.”

Mr. Loke added that the maritime sector can change the economic landscape of the country, as Malaysia has ports that are as competitive with other ports in the world.

“Our work has only just begun,” he told the cheering delegation during a celebratory dinner.

Dr Adina Kamarudin, director general of Maritime Affairs at the Foreign Affairs Ministry also added:

“The Foreign Affairs Ministry went full throttle in lobbying efforts ever since we officially announced our candidature in February this year. We have always been consistent in promoting Malaysia in the maritime sector,” she said.

“Port authorities in the Malaysian shipping association also helped in lobbying efforts.” .

“Malaysia’s greatest realisation since becoming an IMO Council member is our aspiration to help our fellow members, particularly developing countries.”

“A significant outcome has been the establishment of our own Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme in 2013. This inclusive programme that transcends regions and continents, has benefited 430 representatives from more than 57 IMO Member States” Dr.Adina said.

“We have also contributed towards enhancing facilities at both the World Maritime University in Sweden and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta,” she added.

According to The Straight Times, Category C comprises 20 countries which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the IMO Council would ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

The result of the vote on the last day of the IMO’s 31st General Assembly, though, was not totally unexpected for Malaysia, given its track record and performance as a Council member since 2006.

However, the astounding increase in the number of votes on the last day, which reflected the overwhelming support of other member countries, was the highest since it became an IMO Council member.

About Zazithorn Ruengchinda

ScandAsia Journalist • Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. • Bangkok Thailand

View all posts by Zazithorn Ruengchinda

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