Now in second stint, US envoy lauds M'sia's 'democratic success'

INTERVIEW | Senior United States diplomat Edgard D Kagan returned to Malaysia in March this year to assume the role of ambassador. He previously served as the deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur from 2014 to 2017.

Describing the events that unfolded over the years in Malaysia as a “democratic success story”, he credited the nation’s democratic institutions for the “remarkable change” in a peaceful and stable manner.

“For us, what Malaysia and Malaysians have gone through in many ways is a democratic success story.

“And it is also at a time when, around the world, there are many questions raised on democracy and its effectiveness, authoritarian states arguing that their systems are better,” said Kagan in an interview during a visit to Malaysiakini’s office.

Since Kagan’s return, the US is gearing up for another presidential election this November.

Asked for his predictions and the potential impact the election may have on US-Malaysia ties, the ambassador said while diplomats do not get involved in politics, both countries have established strong bilateral relations for over six decades.

“Obviously, there have been points of friction and disagreement. There have been times when the relationship is stronger than others.

“My take is that, what you can see, in many ways, there has been less uncertainty on policies in this election.

“Given that one candidate (Donald Trump) is a former president who was in office for four years, and the other (Kamala Harris) is advising this (current) president (Joe Biden).

“You can see a great deal of continuity and consistency in policies between both (candidates),” he added.

An important region

At the same time, Kagan said developments in the Indo-Pacific - a term that geopolitically covers all nations and islands surrounding the Indian Ocean or Pacific Ocean - would continue to be critical to the US under the new administration.

“I think there is a broad appreciation that cuts across both political parties, that what happens in the Indo-Pacific is going to be probably the most important chapter in the history of the 21st century.

“The US needs to not only just continue but increase our reach in the region in order to be successful in terms of advancing our interests including promoting prosperity for the US.

“I think there is a recognition that the Indo-Pacific is critical, and I think what really matters is what are we going to be able to do together, and that is going to require effort by both the US and Malaysia.

“I think regardless of who wins, you will see openness from the US side to find ways to work together,” he added.

Within the Indo-Pacific, Asean member countries including Malaysia are viewed as the centre of geopolitical power, addressing issues affecting both US and regional interests.

Malaysian leadership of Asean

Asked about his views on expectations for Malaysia as the Asean chair next year, Kagan said immediate priorities should be determined by the government and other member countries.

“I have great confidence in Malaysia's leadership of Asean. I was here in 2015 when Malaysia was a very effective chair, and I have reasons to believe that will happen again.

“Malaysian leaders appreciate the importance of Asean to the US,” he noted.

Since his last stint in Kuala Lumpur, Kagan said there has been a greater appreciation of the importance of Asean to the US.

This, he said, translated into an expanded range of engagements between the US government and Asean as a regional platform, on top of bilateral ties with member countries.

“We believe Asean has a very important role to play in addressing climate change, trying to improve economic integration in Southeast Asia, addressing specific issues like mutual focus on security, and combating trafficking in persons. There’s a wide range of things.

“Ultimately, we’re prepared to work with Asean and Malaysia as chair of Asean on Asean matters,” Kagan said.

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