MAJYD AZIZ
PRESIDENT: MHG GROUP OF COMPANIES
EX PRESIDENT: KARACHI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
EX-PRESIDENT: EMPLOYERS FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN / SOUTH ASIAN FORUM OF EMPLOYERS
EX-PRESIDENT: (UN) GLOBAL COMPACT NETWORK PAKISTAN
EX-CHAIRMAN: SITE ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRY
ADDRESS: A/25, STREET ‘H’, KDA SCHEME NO 1, KARACHI, 75350, PAKISTAN
Cell: (92-300/301) 826-1969 Email: majydaziz@gmail.com Twitter: MajydAziz CNIC: 42201-4415779-1
Ref: MA/ART/2024 02 October 2024
As I was about to enter the security room at Karachi Hotel Marriott, a group of probably thirty young Madrassah students preceded me. Since they all looked East Asians, I guessed that they were from Malaysia. I asked one of the boys whether they were students from Jamia Binoria, Site Karachi, and he nodded. I gathered that they were also invited by the Malaysian Consulate General to participate in the reception to celebrate the 67th National Day. I was very pleased that these boys were invited because they, being away from home, need encouragement and inspiration.
At the red carpet, the very ebullient and friendly Consul General Mr Herman Hardynata Ahmad and his equally cheerful spouse welcomed me and other guests. After the traditional photo with the couple, I went inside the Crystal Ballroom where I mingled with friends, media, and diplomats. The seating arrangement was different from the usual diplomatic receptions. The entire front row seats were in classroom style and reserved for diplomats and the Chief Guest. The rest of the guests sat at round tables.
At 8 pm, A K Memon, who is now a regular Master of Ceremonies, announced the arrival of Mr Kamran Khan Tessori, the energetic Sindh Governor. He alongwith his retinue were standing at the hall entrance. It seemed odd for those of us sitting in the round tables in the front because he just stood still. Actually, three Malaysians were performing a short welcome ceremony, but we could not witness because of the large number of photographers and cameramen.
The program commenced with the two National Anthems and then the welcome speech of the Consul General. In his address, he mentioned the “deep rooted and enduring long history between the two countries.” He added that “this bilateral relationship is now stronger, determined, and more connected than ever.” He said that “there is potential for more cooperation and collaboration in many sectors and that it is important to promote people-to-people contacts and closeness. New doors for facilitating travelers from both countries are being opened.” He disclosed that in 2024, “over 44,000 Pakistanis traveled to Malaysia.” He then gave the good news for the business community by announcing that a “Trade Office is being inaugurated in the Consulate from October 2024.”
Till some years ago, the welcome address at diplomatic receptions was a rarity but nowadays it is de jour alongwith the speech of the Chief Guest. Governor Tessori however usually shuns speeches at these diplomatic functions. I was expecting a cultural performance but instead there were martial art items. What was awesome was one such item where the Consul General defended himself against four opponents. Naturally, he gave them a hard time and eventually floored all four, one on top of the other. I have seen Consul Generals sing or dance, but this was a newhighlight. There was a prolonged applause, and the Governor went up to personally praise him.
Another regularfeature at diplomatic receptions is the lucky draw. Thanks to airlines and travel agents, there are complimentary flight tickets for the lucky persons. A well known senior journalist was one of the lucky winners. What was really amazing was that businessman Shamoon Zaki too won. Just couple of days ago, he also won at the Indonesian reception. There was the usual banter and jokes around him that this was a diluted example of the notorious Form 47. The Master of Ceremony then loudly announced that the travel agent has offered a round trip to anywhere in the world for the Governor and his family.
The ceremonies over, the dinner was served. Surprisingly, the food (usually at 5-star hotels is not that palatable for discerning diners), was pretty good and enjoyable. All in all, the evening was enjoyable and pleasant. There is one disconcerting item that needs to be eliminated in future. For whatever cogent modus operandiof the security and protocol details of the Governor, it is earnestly suggested to the Governor to revisit the security set-up that follows him everywhere. Three to four security guards stood behind him, blocking the view of the dais, and making the situation frustrating. I had to personally request the ADC to the Governor and the Protocol Officer who were both at sitting at our table, to direct the guards to move away. They did move but soon were back, just like the encroachers on streets and lanes who disappear for a couple of days when a removal operation is undertaken by law-enforcers, but then return in full force.
Taking cue from the speech of the Consul General, my message on the auspicious day is that both Malaysia and Pakistan, despite having a Free Trade Agreement, are really not taking maximum advantage of this FTA. Moreover, Pakistan’s Information Technology sector must learn, adopt, and implement the IT ecosystem of Malaysia. Today, Malaysia is fast becoming a regional data center and an appealing investment destination as a result of increased digital infrastructure expenditures, including cable landing stations, more underwater cables, 5G, and improved fiber connectivity. Pakistan can also emulate the development of digital skills among the workforce, with initiatives such as the digital Free Trade Zone concept of Malaysia that is aimed at equipping workers with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. Another important initiative is the digitalization of operations across all major industrial sectors that will be a decisive factor in securing Malaysia’s role in the future global economy. In my opinion, Pakistani policymakers need to learn a lot from Malaysia to launch a National Green Technology Policy. It is high time efforts are made, and funding allocated, to address Green Technology Infrastructure, Green Jobs, Renewable Energy, Green Technology Awareness Programs, Green Technology courses in the curriculum, and development of National Occupational Skills Standards.
Pakistan must strongly link up with countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and even Bangladesh. A formidable economic, investment, and security bonding would eventually usher Pakistan into the ranks of Asian Tigers. The sovereignty of any country is its proud possession. After all, for Malaysians, “Merdeka” was achieved on 31 August 1957, while for Pakistanis, “Azaadi” was attained on 14 August 1947. Freedom means to excel, to progress, to develop. But citizens should also take heed from Ayn Rand, who questioned freedom in her iconic 1943 novel, The Fountainhead. “You call that freedom? To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing.”
(The writer is former President of
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
