Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a courtesy call from the newly appointed Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, Tan Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob. The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral relations between Malaysia and the US, with strategic efforts to draw in high-impact foreign investments.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with the US and attracting quality investments. He expressed confidence in Muhammad Shahrul Ikram's ability to boost Malaysia's aspirations and international standing. Anwar conveyed his best wishes for the ambassador's new role.

On June 3, King Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia conferred the appointment instrument to Muhammad Shahrul Ikram at Istana Negara. Muhammad Shahrul Ikram, who succeeds Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, previously served as the Foreign Ministry's secretary-general.

Originating from Pahang, Muhammad Shahrul Ikram earned a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from Universiti Malaya and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. His diplomatic career began in 1988, and he served as the ministry's secretary-general from January 2019 to May 2022.

With 35 years in public service, Muhammad Shahrul Ikram has held positions as Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar, Austria, and was the Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. His roles at the Foreign Ministry included deputy secretary-general (Bilateral Relations), director-general of the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat, and Secretary of the Multilateral Political Division. His diplomatic experiences extend to Malaysian missions in Vienna, Washington, and Beijing.