The Foreign Ministry said in a statement today that Dompok is the first Malaysian resident ambassador to the Vatican and the 83rd resident ambassador accredited to the Holy See.
Dompok is also concurrently accredited to Albania and Malta, the statement said.
Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Vatican was formally established on July 27, 2011 and Malaysia was the 179th country to establish diplomatic relations with the City State.
The Foreign Ministry said the establishment of diplomatic relations further enhances bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Vatican, particularly in promoting global peace, understanding and moderation among religions through interfaith dialogues and education.
Prior to his appointment as ambassador, Dompok was a politician and had served in a number of important ministerial portfolios both at the state as well as the federal level.
He was the former Sabah Chief Minister, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister.
Dompok has also actively participated in the activities of non-governmental organisations.
He is the Chairman of Montfort Youth Training Centre in Sabah, Adviser to the Federation of Christian Mission School Council in Malaysia, Founder and Adviser to the Institute for Indigenous Economic Progress and Indep Education Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Advisers to the Penampang Community College and Chairman of the Borneo Conservation Trust.
– BERNAMA