PHL Embassy in Malaysia unveils new marker at chancery

The Philippine Embassy in Malaysia unveiled a new marker at its chancery to highlight the improvements and renovation there since 2006, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday. “The marker also serves as a symbolic conclusion of the tour of duty of Ambassador [Victoriano] Lecaros, who is set to depart for Manila in early August. The unveiling of the marker coincided with the simple, Western-themed despedida prepared by the embassy personnel," the DFA said. It said one of the more notable renovations was the construction of a sound-dampened roof with skylights and ceiling over the waiting area of the consular section, and the development of the entire compound’s electrical design and wiring, which conforms to contemporary safety standards. The DFA said these renovations are in line with the embassy’s commitment to provide better service to Filipinos, and to project a more positive image of the country in Malaysia. Funding came from the DFA and the generous support of the Filipino community, as well as contributions from embassy personnel. According to the DFA, the chancery sits on prime real estate in the center of Kuala Lumpur a few blocks away from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. It said the chancery was originally constructed in 1962 as the first residential property of Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. It then became the official residence of the Egyptian Ambassador in Malaysia before being purchased by the Philippine government on October 15, 1987, during the tenure of then Ambassador Pablo Suarez. — JE, GMA News