Malaysia's Ambassador to Senegal Considers 'Datukship' Title As A Pat On The Back

By Rosmalis Anuar KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has changed communication protocols and the way diplomacy is conducted, making a diplomat’s duties much tougher than before. Malaysia's ambassador to Senegal Dr Shazelina Zainul Abidin admits that diplomats are facing multiple challenges with restrictions to have face-to-face interactions, and found themselves negotiating in a whole new environment. Thus, she considered being recognised as the recipient of Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) in conjunction with the Penang’s Head of State’s birthday this year which carries the title “Datuk”, as a validation of her team’s hard work. “This is not something that I did alone, I have a good team behind me. It has not been easy this last year. “The pandemic has wreaked havoc on all our lives particularly in diplomacy because when we don’t go out, we don’t meet people. That human touch, that interaction is lost. You can’t create a rapport by just talking virtually. “Most of our deals, our discussions have been conducted over lunch, over dinner or over coffee, and when that’s not possible, then you have to be really creative. I know its not just me, all diplomats are having this problem, but yet life has to go on,” she said when contacted by Bernama. The ambassador, who is also accredited to Burkina Faso, Mali, Gambia and Cabo Verde, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Penang’s Head of State, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Wisma Putra (Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry) for the award. “For diplomats like myself, we work for the country and we don’t work for the state. But of course we have a particular affinity for certain states and Penang is my father’s home state. “I’m very thankful I have been given this honour, most of all to my brother and sister for putting up with me and my long absences from home and all my friends who helped me along the way,” she said. Shazelina is among 116 recipients of the DSPN award this year. Penang secretary Abdul Razak Jaafar announced on Wednesday that all ceremonies in conjunction with Ahmad Fuzi's birthday have been postponed to a later date to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Asked about the pandemic situation in Senegal, Shazelina said the number of new cases and deaths were relatively low in April and June but infections spiked prior to the Hari Raya Aidiladha (Eid-ul Adha) celebration. “Previously, daily counts were around 37 with one or two fatalities. However, before Aidiladha, Senegalese abroad returned home for the celebrations and now we can see the surge in new cases,” she said. According to the Worldometers website, Senegal recorded 523 new cases and 10 deaths on Thursday. -- BERNAMA