Tan Sri Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Malaysia’s former foreign minister, has been appointed special envoy to Myanmar by Iyad Madani, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

An experienced lawyer and statesman, Albar has served at the highest levels of government.

Among the key positions he has held in the Malaysian Cabinet over the years include law minister for Home Affairs and Defense.

The OIC said in a statement that the role of the special envoy will be to advance the OIC’s diplomatic efforts with authorities in Myanmar and other regional and international stakeholders to bring about peaceful coexistence and restore inter-communal harmony through dialogue and a comprehensive reconciliation process.

Madani urged OIC member states to extend their full support and cooperation to the special envoy for the success of the mission.