PHNOM PENH: The Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, was recently awarded the Datukship, the Malaysian equivalent to the British Knighthood and receiving the title of ‘sir,’ by the Governor of Malacca.

EAC News recently sat down for an exclusive interview with the Ambassador of Malaysia to get some of his thoughts on various topics related to Malaysia's relationship with Cambodia.

Through the interview, we got to learn a bit about Ambassador Datuk Eldeen and also gain some insight into what he considers his greatest achievements while being the Ambassador in Cambodia

He received his Datukship, the Malaysian equivalent to a British Knighthood, from the Governor of Malacca in September 2022. Ambassador Datuk Eldeen said he was honored and felt very blessed to receive this award.

“It is a privilege for me to be receiving this title award, to receive it from the Governor touched me deeply because two weeks before that, the Governor had paid an official visit to Cambodia and I was with him for about ten days,” said the Malaysian Ambassador.

“During that time, we presented to him all the potential that Cambodia can offer to Malaysia, and we also had Cambodians meet with him to see what Malacca can do to invest in Cambodia as well. That time really helped boost my energy to do more. Then two weeks after that, I received this beautiful news that I will be awarded the Datukship from Malacca.”

He said he and his family were very excited to receive this news, and they had never expected that he would receive this form of high recognition.

“This was wonderful [news] because even without the title I would [continue to serve] my country,” he said. “But with the title, of course, it is an honor, and I will definitely continue doing what I am doing as Ambassador, especially to promote all the states [of Malaysia], but now especially [the state of] Malacca.”

The Ambassador added that he considers getting two Prime Ministers of Malaysia to visit Cambodia during his mission to be his greatest achievement.

“That was my greatest achievement, of course, but other than that, just maintaining bilateral relations and getting through to my fellow Malaysians here in Cambodia,” he said.

Speaking more about some of the tough times he has faced as Ambassador, he noted the Covid-19 pandemic as a particularly challenging time for all, but one not without fruitful action.

“I think during Covid we managed to evacuate about 300 Malaysians back to Malaysia with the help of Cambodian authorities, that was a big deal for us.” said Ambassador Datuk Eldeen. “But then I think the greatest achievement [comes from] the impact that you have, the good relationship that you have with fellow Malaysians here, helping each other, that is very important.”

“Whatever it is, when you want to do anything, engagement is prime. Communication is always [key]. You need to communicate to get things done. So, my greatest achievement, of course, is to get things done.”

On what else he hopes to achieve as Ambassador in Cambodia, he said, “My hope is only that during my time I can get the Prime Minister, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, to come and visit Malaysia.”

Stay tuned for the release of the full in-depth interview with the Malaysian Ambassador, here at EAC News.