Over the past several decades, Dutch Ambassador to Malaysia, Werner, who holds a special affection for the country, not only requested Kuala Lumpur as the last posting of his diplomatic career, but also plans to settle in Malaysia after retirement.
For this diplomat, receiving this final assignment allowed him to fulfill a long-held wish. Over ten years ago, while serving as Dutch Ambassador to Singapore, he and his wife had always hoped that one day he could be posted to Kuala Lumpur.
In a recent interview with Bernama, he said: “We made many trips from Singapore to Malaysia back then, and we both said that if there ever came a day when I could be posted to Kuala Lumpur, that would be fantastic. Later, it really did become the last posting of my diplomatic career. We are very happy, and this place fully lives up to our expectations.”
Werner’s bond with Malaysia dates back to 1988. At that time, he was a junior official at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and visited Pulau Bidong in Terengganu for a mission involving the resettlement of Vietnamese boat people.
This visit left a deep impression on him and forged an indelible connection with Malaysia, eventually allowing him to return decades later as ambassador.
Werner’s term in Kuala Lumpur will conclude this August, and after 43 years of diplomatic service, he will officially retire. He said that he and his wife have no immediate plans to return to the Netherlands, but instead hope to continue enjoying life here.
“We will continue to stay here and enjoy Asian cuisine every day.”
“Of course, after retiring, we’ll also travel frequently because our children do not live in the Netherlands. Although our families are there and we wish to see them often, for now, there isn’t an urgent need to return home.”
“The best nasi lemak in the world is right here; everyone knows that.”
Pleased with Malaysia’s Vibrant Development
As his more than 40-year diplomatic career is about to come to an end, Dutch Ambassador Werner likened every overseas posting to a segment of a train journey.
As his more than 40-year diplomatic career is about to come to an end, Dutch Ambassador Werner likened every overseas posting to a segment of a train journey.
He said: “I go to a place for four years to work, it’s like boarding a train. I board, work for four years, then get off.”
Werner, who assumed office in Malaysia in September 2022, pointed out that during his tenure, he has been deeply impressed by the country’s rapid progress, especially in economic development, sustainability agendas, and bilateral cooperation.
“It is very pleasing to see Malaysia making swift strides in many areas. The economy is booming and bilateral relations are also advancing well.”
In his interview with Bernama, he noted that developments over the past few years have convinced him further that Malaysia and Southeast Asia are gaining importance in a constantly shifting global landscape.
“I’m glad we made this choice, because the geopolitical changes over the past two or three years have made this one of the most ideal places in the world.”
“Being in this part of Asia—and this corner of the world—shows a positive development agenda. Being able to witness first-hand how the EU, ASEAN, and Malaysia deepen cooperation in such challenging times is truly a wonderful thing. I feel I have come to the right place at the right time.”