Dato Arshad

Arshad DATO is currently serving as ambassador extraordinary in the Embassy of Malaysia, Vienna, Austria. As a civil servant, he has traveled extensively and served in various capacities in France, Pakistan, Libya, Sweden, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Australia. Although Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, the non-Muslim communities are free to practice their faiths in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious environment. Ambassador Arshad believes that Malaysia is a shining example of how democracy can thrive in a predominantly Muslim country. His visits to other parts of the world have provided him with the knowledge and experience on how Muslims in Islamic states as well as in secular states can live and practice their faith. Although not an expert on Shari’a or modern international law, Ambassador Arshad is a student of international relations and is familiar with the Malaysian laws and constitution, which include part of the Shari’a law as well as the civil laws practiced in Malaysia.