Zulhasnan, our new man in Washington

Tan Sri Dr Zulhasnan Rafique, who takes over as our new man in Washington at a time of transition in the US, is used to a high-flying job, having been a fighter pilot in the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

Zulhasnan, who succeeds Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussain, also brings with him a wealth of experience in politics and business, having been a member of the Cabinet and a director of Airod Sdn Bhd.

He was the Federal Territories Minister from 2006 to 2009, and before that, the deputy minister from 2004 to 2006.

No less than his predecessor, who was deputy Finance Minister, Zulhasan has, as former Foreign Minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar puts it, "knowledge and great understanding of government policies".

Zulhasnan believes his appointment is a "clear sign of intent" from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to "continue - even elevate and strengthen - the good relationship between Malaysia and the United States that has been existent since our nation's Independence".

Zulhasnan's appointment as Malaysian Ambassador to the United States comes at an important stage in the US history when Donald Trump becomes the 54th American President, replacing Barack Obama.

The Republican will take his oath of office in January after defeating his opponent Democrat Hilary Clinton in the presidential race last November.

Najib has also contacted Trump to congratulate him and the two agreed to strengthen the existing relations between the two countries.

Syed Hamid has no doubt that Zulhasnan "can do the job", and the new ambassador himself said: "I am committed to deliver the best service and contribution towards achieving the aspirations and objectives of the Malaysia-United States bilateral relationship."

Zulhasnan, 62, served in the RMAF from 1973 to 1985 as a fighter pilot with the rank of major.

The Kuala Lumpur-born ambassador, who is also Setiawangsa UMNO chief, received his education at the Royal Military College in Sungai Besi.

He was also Member of Parliament (MP) for Wangsa Maju from 1999 to 2004 and Setiawangsa MP from 2004 to 2013.

The father of two daughters and a son contested in won in three general elections, namely in 1999, 2004 and 2008, and was elected as UMNO Supreme Council member for the 2008-2011 term.

From 1985 to 2004, was involved in business with Kuantan Flour Mill Bhd and as director of Airod Sdn Bhd.

Since 2014, Zulhasnan had been chancellor of Geomatika University College Malaysia.