Bahrain and Malaysia have had a long-standing diplomatic partnership, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. His Excellency Shazryll Zahiran, the Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain, spoke exclusively to Kristian Harrison to shed light on the evolving bilateral relations between the two nations, with a particular focus on how Bahrain is positioned as a gateway for Malaysian businesses and the Embassy’s plans to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.
Your Excellency, thank you for joining us. Could you start by sharing your diplomatic journey?
Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to Bahrain This Month for having me. You have always been a great partner of the embassy and supported a lot of our activities, so it is an honour to be interviewed again and I express my sincere gratitude.
I’ve served in the diplomatic field for 26 years, starting as the First Secretary and Head of Chancellery in Bosnia-Herzegovina. My career has taken me to various roles, including Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Director General of the South East Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism and then for Policy and Management. Now I am honoured to become the fifth Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain. I arrived here in 2021, just as the world was transitioning out of the pandemic. These three years have been significant, especially as we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Bahrain.
Speaking of the 50th anniversary, how have the relations between Malaysia and Bahrain evolved over these five decades?
It’s been a remarkable journey. Malaysia has been closely involved in Bahrain’s development, particularly in infrastructure projects like the Bahrain International Circuit and the Bahrain World Trade Centre. Our diplomatic ties have strengthened over the years, marked by high-level visits, starting with our Prime Minister’s visit in 2001. The establishment of our embassy in 2003 further solidified our relationship. Today, our relations are robust, with both nations committed to deepening our economic and cultural ties.
What initiatives have you undertaken to promote Malaysian culture here?
We’ve launched several cultural initiatives, such as the first Malaysian Film Festival in Bahrain, which highlighted our cinematic achievements and fostered understanding through storytelling. We also partnered with the Alia Rehabilitation Centre to support children with special needs. Looking ahead, we plan to organise a Malaysia Fair in November, which will showcase Malaysian products, culture and traditions in order to bring a comprehensive cultural experience to Bahrain.
What would you consider your most significant achievement as Ambassador?
My tenure started in the challenging post-COVID era, when many Malaysians had left Bahrain after completing major projects. One of my goals was to re-engage Malaysians with Bahrain and vice versa. I’m proud to say we’ve made progress, conducting over 15 engagements with Malaysian private sectors to promote Bahrain. We’ve also facilitated connections between Bahraini and Malaysian businesses, particularly in the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, which I believe holds great potential for both nations.
How does the embassy support Malaysian citizens and businesses in Bahrain?
We provide extensive support, especially on consular matters, and assist Malaysian businesses exploring opportunities in Bahrain. Although the number of Malaysians in Bahrain has decreased to under 1,000 residents due to the completion of a number of big projects, those who remain are professionals contributing significantly in sectors like engineering, healthcare and architecture. We also ensure that Bahraini businesses interested in Malaysia receive proper guidance and validation of their ventures. Our role extends beyond bilateral relations, as we also advocate for ASEAN interests, given Malaysia’s integral role in the region.
With Malaysia set to chair ASEAN next year, what can we expect in terms of regional collaboration?
Chairing ASEAN is a significant responsibility, and we aim to introduce new modalities and structures to enhance diplomatic and economic ties within the region. We’re committed to fostering prosperity in collaboration with our neighbours and ensuring that both ASEAN and Bahrain benefit from these strengthened relations.
How do you position Bahrain as an attractive destination for Malaysian businesses, particularly in comparison to other regional players?
Bahrain offers a unique set of advantages that make it an appealing destination for Malaysian businesses. The country’s financial structure, tax benefits and excellent facilities are all key factors. But what truly sets Bahrain apart is its stability. A stable government is the most crucial factor for businesses when considering international expansion. Bahrain’s relationships within the region, particularly with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, further enhance its appeal. Being an island nation, Bahrain also offers something special in terms of regional connectivity, serving as a gateway to the GCC. Additionally, Bahrain’s pioneering spirit, as evidenced by being the first in many sectors like education, aviation and oil discovery, makes it a compelling place for Malaysian businesses to establish a foothold in the Middle East.
What are some specific sectors where you see potential for economic collaboration between Malaysia and Bahrain?
There are several promising sectors for collaboration, particularly in food security and agriculture, where Bahrain is keen on innovation and development. Additionally, renewable energy presents significant opportunities, especially considering Bahrain’s ambitious strategic plans for the next 35 years. Other areas include AI, IT development and security. While the trade balance between Malaysia and Bahrain is modest, standing at USD256 million there’s ample room for growth, particularly in these high-potential sectors.
Can you elaborate on how Bahrainis and Malaysians can work together to enhance economic relations?
It’s crucial that this collaboration is a two-way street. While I can promote Bahrain to Malaysian businesses, it’s equally important for Bahrainis to reach out to potential partners in Malaysia. Face-to-face interactions, productive discussions and showcasing Bahrain’s strengths are essential. Both sides must be willing to engage, exchange ideas and explore opportunities together.
As you approach the end of your tenure, what do you hope will be your legacy in Bahrain?
I don’t see it as leaving behind a legacy, but rather as reigniting opportunities that had lain dormant. Despite the challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe we’ve laid the groundwork for stronger economic relations. The interest in Bahrain as a gateway to the Middle East is growing among Malaysian businesses, especially in the case of SMEs which I believe truly hold the key to Bahrain’s future prosperity. My hope is that my successor will build on this momentum and continue to strengthen the ties between our nations, ensuring that the fruits of our labour will be harvested in the years to come.
What advice would you give to your successor?
My advice would be to capture the opportunities that are now emerging. The groundwork has been laid, and it’s up to my successor to continue fostering these relationships. It’s important to remain committed to updating and developing new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that reflect our evolving partnership. The role of an ambassador is to continuously build on what has been achieved, ensuring that the relationship between Malaysia and Bahrain continues to flourish.
Finally, what message do you have for Malaysians in Bahrain?
This is a joyous time for Malaysians, as we recently celebrated our National Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day is set to take place on September 16. My message is simply to embody the positive values that our nation stands for. It’s important for Malaysians here to be ambassadors of our culture and values, to work hand-in-hand with Bahrainis, and to continue sharing the richness of our society.
