Mergawati Zulfakar

Deputy Executive Editor at The Star (Malaysia)

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Articles

Our man in DC

1 week ago | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

FOR several weeks Malaysian diplomats were buzzing with speculation about who would be appointed the new ambassador to the United States. There was a lot of pure happiness when their former boss, Tan Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, was named, receiving his credentials from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, early this month. The joy at the appointment of this warm, approachable, and seasoned diplomat is understandable.
One down, two to go

3 weeks ago | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

HONOLULU 2011 – US President Barack Obama hosted many world leaders including from Russia, China and Japan for the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. A few of us, part of the Malaysian media delegation, were walking back to the hotel after a quick lunch. It was a short walk. Big mistake. Just as we were about to cross the road (the hotel was about 50m away), our group was stopped by the local police.
Myanmar mess for Asean

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

SHOULD Asean’s special envoy on Myanmar be made a permanent post? That is the discussion that is taking place in Asean diplomatic circles, and the idea is gaining traction. The position currently rotates every year with the Chair of Asean. The special envoy is tasked with finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing human rights violations and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar sparked by the 2021 military coup.
Tok Mat: Calm in the eye of the storm

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

DATUK Seri Mohamad Hasan’s calm demeanour belies the tremendous pressure that comes with the Foreign Minister’s job. He will travel again for a working visit to Russia but not before “balik kawasan” (making a visit) to his constituency Rembau, Negri Sembilan, over the weekend. In two weeks, Malaysia will host the 46th Asean Summit and Wisma Putra is the key ministry to make sure all goes well.
Lost boys of the government

1 month ago | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

JUST before the 100 days marking Donald Trump’s term as US President passed on April 29, the Associated Press published a story about a popularity poll on his adviser, billionaire Elon Musk. According to the poll, which AP organised with the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, just 33% of US adults have a favourable view of Musk, the public face of Trump’s efforts to downsize and overhaul the federal government. That share is down from 41% in December.
Pak Lah: Kind, gentle and exemplary leader

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

THE passing of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi saw many people sharing their personal moments and uploading their photos with him especially on social media. I have my fair share too as a journalist, especially the years he served as the foreign minister. However, this column is not about a personal experience covering Abdullah during his service to the nation. I felt it is only right to highlight his work at Wisma Putra between 1991 and 1999.
Get message across clearly

2 months ago | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

WHERE do I even begin with this week’s column? Malaysia’s response to US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will be calm and firm, so we are told. Yet our southern neighbour is already bracing for a potential recession. And the last one week has seen global trade turmoil, worrying many governments unsure of Trump’s next move.
Granny ‘mola-mola’ goes viral

Mar 15, 2025 | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

IN the midst of the current global upheaval caused by trade wars and internal fighting, I decided to switch off temporarily from the upsetting news around us. I decided to take a break and join many diplomats last Sunday for the usual networking during a rather noisy buka puasa with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Foreign Ministry in Putrajaya.
Working on Asean’s future

Mar 1, 2025 | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

WHERE will you be in 2045? In 20 years’ time, that is. Those of us who are still alive may be lucky enough to see what has emerged from the Asean Community Vision 2045. Already a subscriber? Log in. Save 30% for ads-free and full access now! Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/monthRM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal.
Mission: Finding an all-around skilled ambassador

Feb 22, 2025 | thestar.com.my | Mergawati Zulfakar

IT is common knowledge that it is a reward and privilege for a non-career diplomat to be appointed as an ambassador representing his or her country. Over the years, Malaysia has seen former ministers in the role, like the late Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat and Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis who were posted to Jakarta and Washington DC respectively. Mohamed was made an ambassador with ministerial rank while Jamaluddin, who was still a serving MP, was sent to Washington as a special envoy.