PETALING JAYA: Diplomat extraordinaire and former Foreign Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Ahmad Kamil Jaafar’s friendliness, excellence and knack for jokes are what his friends will miss most about him.
While the nation remembers Ahmad Kamil as Malaysia’s top diplomat known for his role in peace efforts friends knew him as someone who was jovial, humble and liked to “pull other people’s legs”.
Former diplomat Datuk Tan Koon San said his close friend’s life tenet was Aut Coepisse Noli Aut Confice (Latin for “Accomplish or Do Not Begin”), which was also the motto of their alma mater Bukit Mertajam High School in Penang.
pic).
He was a treasure trove of knowledge on global affairs and would share his information readily, whenever appropriate.
Malaysia’s high profile in international affairs back then under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first tenure as prime minister had kept Wisma Putra on its toes.
And Ahmad Kamil knew when to feed the media, which was always hungry for news.
When he entered any room or hall, you couldn’t help but notice the towering figure – he was over 180cm (six feet) tall.
It didn’t matter if you were a senior reporter or a greenhorn, he would entertain any questions, relevant or not. He would make sure you learned about the latest in foreign affairs and would take the time to explain the nuances.
Saturday, 03 Apr 2021 06:13 PM MYT
Former Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Ahmad Kamil Jaafar has died at the age of 83 April 3, 2021. Picture via Twitter/Bernama
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KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 Former Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Ahmad Kamil Jaafar has died at the age of 83 today.
News of the demise of Ahmad Kamil who was a member of the former senior civil servant group G25 was
shared by another group member, Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin.
Noor Farida when contacted by Bernama said Ahmad Kamil who was having a health problem, collapsed at the bedroom balcony of his house yesterday evening.
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A fellow G25 member says former Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary-general Ahmad Kamil Jaafar had an ongoing health problem and collapsed yesterday. – Ministry of Foreign Affairs pic, April 3, 2021.
FORMER Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary-general Ahmad Kamil Jaafar died at the age of 83, today.
News of Kamil’s death was shared by fellow member of the senior civil servant group G25, Noor Farida Ariffin.
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