U.S. Ambassador Edgard Kagan delivered remarks at the U.S. Independence Day reception in Malaysia, welcoming dignitaries and guests to celebrate the 249th anniversary of American independence. The event recognized the ongoing partnership between the United States and Malaysia.
Ambassador Kagan extended a special welcome to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and his wife, as well as Chief of Defense Force General Tan Sri Nizam Bin Jaffar and his wife. He also acknowledged Olympic and World Cup champion Brandi Chastain and Maren McCrary for their visit to Malaysia, where they will conduct soccer clinics focused on teamwork, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
Kagan introduced Chip Gamble as the new deputy chief of mission at the embassy, noting his extensive experience in Washington and overseas assignments. He expressed gratitude to American and Malaysian companies that supported the event and thanked colleagues from both the embassy and St. Regis for organizing the reception.
Reflecting on cultural ties, Kagan highlighted shared culinary traditions between Americans and Malaysians. He said: "So if you look at a plate of nasi kerabu, you’ll see some red, some white and some blue. And I think that that’s something that doesn’t just reflect our two flags. It also reflects the partnership between our countries. There’s variety and a little bit of spice. And I think that our Malaysian friends know that there are times when the relationship can be a little bit spicier than we would like, but it also makes it interesting, and it means that when we do work together, it is so valuable and means so much to us."
The ambassador mentioned recent cooperation with Malaysian officials on regional issues such as the Cambodian-Thai ceasefire agreement: "Recently, I’ve had the great pleasure of working together with Malaysian colleagues on the Cambodian-Thai cease fire agreement. I just want to say that it’s been so wonderful seeing tremendous professionalism of our Malaysian friends as we have worked together to try and deal with a real problem that has real consequences for people in the region."
He commended Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Foreign Minister Tok Mat, General Nizam Bin Jaffar, Dr. Hartini Zainudin for her advocacy for children’s rights through Yayasan Chow Kit, Datuk Nicol David for empowering underserved youth via sports initiatives with her organization, and Pastor Elisha Satvinder along with his wife Petrina for their work supporting vulnerable children through Dignity for Children Foundation.
Kagan emphasized joint efforts by both nations: "To me, this working together is to solve a common problem brings out the very best in the United States, the very best in Malaysia. And I think that it’s a spirit that’s encapsulated by the Malay proverb berat sama dipikul ringan sama dijinjing. Heavy burdens are lifted together, light ones are carried together."
He invited attendees to honor Malaysians making positive changes: "So, I’d like you to join me in lifting a glass to the Malaysians who make a difference... Please join me."
Marking 68 years of diplomatic relations between both countries—and 11 years since establishing their comprehensive partnership—Kagan stated: "But the future of our democracies, of our countries is going to be forged by those who build bridges and those who stand for freedom, peace and prosperity..."
He closed by thanking supporters of U.S.-Malaysia relations over time: "And thank you to all of you who believe in the U.S.-Malaysian partnership all these years even when it was hard." Kagan reflected personally on his family's experiences living in Malaysia during his diplomatic service.
The ambassador concluded by encouraging continued friendship between Americans and Malaysians: "So next time you eat nasi kerabu I hope you will think of our shared values and enduring partnership... Thank you all."