These are extraordinary times. I have a feeling that the world will be permanently changed by this event, as it was by September 11. In future, we will talk about before-Covid and after-Covid. It will no doubt be a tough time – for some more than for others. But I’d like to think there may even be some good things that will come out of it. For example those countries with good public health systems will strengthen them further. And those whose systems were found inadequate, will hopefully move to fix them. And I suspect all of us will come to a new appreciation of our frontline nurses, doctors and other caregivers – just as we were reminded recently to appreciate our Australian firefighters.
Right now the focus has to be on beating the virus – to ‘flatten the curve’ as the experts keep saying. As you would expect, we in the High Commission and our colleagues in Canberra, are closely monitoring the situation in Malaysia. Although we do not formally ‘rank’ countries for their response, I have to say that Malaysia’s effort has been amongst the most impressive. Within days of the MCO being put in place, a country that loves its food and its social interaction, has knuckled down to the job of containing the epidemic. With the tough restrictions announced yesterday by PM Morrison, it will be Australia’s turn to show that we have the discipline to get the job done.
I also want to take this opportunity to assure you that the High Commission is still operational. We are an ‘essential service’ for Australians in Malaysia. The AHC has, of course, had to adjust how we work – both to ensure compliance with the MCO and to minimise the risks of infection between team members. So some of us are working from home and others are coming in to the office in shifts. I am sure all your businesses are also fully compliant with the MCO and that you are prioritising staff health and safety. I would ask you to keep a particularly close eye on your Australian team members and their families. We do not keep a comprehensive register of Australians in Malaysia (those days are long gone). Instead, should I need to reach out to the broader Australian community for any reason, I will need to do it through all of you.
I am quite confident that Malaysia will manage this crisis and come out the other end, as will Australia. But I think it is already clear that the economy will be impacted. While governments will do all they can, recovery will be mainly up to the private sector. That is
where I hope Australian businesses in Malaysia will really prove their worth. Already,
Australia is doing its bit by helping to ensuring Malaysia’s food security. I’m proud of the
fact that you can go into any supermarket today and find it still stocked with Australian
produce, including fresh meat, dairy, fruit and veg. All of us are working hard to ensure
that our reputation as a reliable business and trading partner is maintained.
Finally, I’d like to share something that we were discussing in the High Commission just
this morning. While we are looking after our physical health, we must not forget to also
look after each other’s broader wellbeing. This crisis will take an emotional and mental toll on all of us, to some degree. Without compromising safety, let’s make sure we keep an eye on each other and provide support where and when it’s needed. We are all in this
together!
HE Andrew Goledzinowski
High Commissioner
Australian High Commission
Kuala Lumpur