He said these qualities were crucial for Malaysia’s ambassador to the US, given the broad and significant bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in terms of trade and economic cooperation.

The current situation in the country under the new administration of president Donald Trump, as well as Malaysia’s plan to host the Asean-US Summit this year in conjunction with its chairmanship of the grouping, were also key factors in the selection of the candidate.

“Therefore, we cannot take the appointment lightly and send just anyone,” he told editors of media organisations during the Santai Teh Tarik session at the Concorde Club here today.

Mohamad said the nominee for ambassador has also been approved by the US, and Wisma Putra is in the process of obtaining the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.

Previously, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that the government had selected a candidate for Malaysia’s ambassador to the US to replace Nazri Aziz, whose two-year term ended earlier this month.