Egypt's "Unusual Ambassador" Impressed With 1Malaysia

By Norfarhana Ahya Arip & Ismail Amsyar Mohd Said KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Egyptian traveller Ahmed Haggagovic (picture), whose mission is to bring unity to the world, is impressed with the 1Malaysia concept, which he says is a brilliant idea that is in line with the message he wants to spread around in the countries of his travel. "Malaysians are united under one flag. There is no difference between you. I do respect Malaysians. You are free to do whatever you want, and it is a safe place for travel," he stated during his talk on "Freedom, Happiness and Peace: One World United" at Wisma Bernama here on Monday. Dubbed the "Unusual Ambassador of Egypt," Haggagovic – who has travelled to more than 200 cities in some 90 countries, including Malaysia, to spread the message of unity, peace and freedom – said that he fully supported the 1Malaysia concept, which is "very good and true." He added that he would promote this idea, proposed by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, in Egypt. The 27-year-old Haggagovic also remarked that Malaysia's way of uniting its people, comprising three major races – Malay, Chinese and Indians – can be considered an exemplary model that should be learned by other countries. Haggagovic, who arrived in Malaysia on Saturday night, also expressed his eagerness to meet former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, whom he described as an extraordinary person who had inspired not only him, but also other people all over the world. Haggagovic was born in Cairo, and he says that it has been his dream since childhood to travel around the world and spread the message of unity. His first trip overseas was to Germany, where he went when he was 15 years old, with the plane ticket sponsored by his parents. After completing his studies, Haggagovic began his travel mission in 2007, and he has been travelling ever since. He unfurls the Egyptian flag in every country that he visits, in an effort to encourage people to learn more about his country and, in one way or another, to inspire people to visit Egypt. In Malaysia, he unfurled the flag in Melaka on Tuesday. After Melaka, Haggagovic will travel to Singapore to continue with his mission. "I want to be the first human being ever to travel around the world with this message (of unity) and to raise the Egyptian flag in every country. You need to have more than courage to achieve your dream. You need to have passion and the physical ability to protect your dream," he remarked. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA