By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, July 1: Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo has been appointed New Zealand’s Honorary Consul in the Malaysian State of Sarawak, effective July 1.
This was announced by New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr Sharmila Bernau, who said Hamid’s appointment followed Datuk Mohamad Amin Satem’s, whose term concluded in 2009.
“It underscores New Zealand’s renewed commitment to strengthening ties with Sarawak and reaffirms our dedication to fostering strategic partnerships in South and Southeast Asia,” she said in her speech recognising Hamid’s appointment before a dinner in conjunction with the Matariki (Māori New Year) celebration at Sheraton Hotel tonight.
Bernau said Hamid’s long career as a leader in Sarawak’s public service, notably as the State Secretary of Sarawak, and extensive networks will bring valuable experience and insight to the role.
“New Zealand is proud and honoured to have a former Sarawakian State Secretary to represent our interests in Sarawak.
“Hamid’s appointment as honorary consul in Sarawak will give the New Zealand business and expat community an important contact point in this fast-developing part of Malaysia,” said Bernau.
Hamid shared that Sarawak has now progressed tremendously, and many projects are being planned and executed to develop the region.
He also highlighted that it is an opportunity for both parties and will try his best to bring Sarawak and New Zealand together to exploit the available opportunities.
“The most important part is the people; whatever plan you have, even if it is plenty of funding, without the right people to execute the relevant plan, you have not succeeded,” he said.
Hamid is also chairman of Petros, Sarawak’s oil and gas company. He was the chairman of Sapura Energy before retiring in 2020.
The event was supported by New Zealand’s Southeast Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence (SEA CAPE) and the Malaysia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performance Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting. — DayakDaily
