Malaysians in their hundreds added to acclaimed Melbourne Cup festivities when they turned up in force for a feast of Malaysian food and dance on Sunday by the Yarra River at Southbank here.
The Cup carnival, which attracts people from all round the world, will climax on Tuesday when the A$6 million feature race will be run in a race that stops the nation.
The Malaysia festival, which was opened by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, was a spectacle of vibrant colours and culture adding to the aroma of spices coming from the many food stalls.
Anifah, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Sri Rubiah Abdul Samad, praised the festival organisers, headed by JOM Magazine editor, Joyce Ng, for their initiative in holding the huge event, sponsored by Tourism Malaysia.
Festival organiser Joyce Ng (left) with Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (right) and Malaysian CG in Melbourne, Dato’ Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya (second from left)
Anifah paid tribute to Australian war veterans who also took part in the festival.
“You assisted in defending our nation against the Japanese Occupancy, the Communist Insurgency and the Indonesian Confrontation half a century ago,” he said.
“Together, we fought and managed to ensure democracy prevailed and that our sovereignty and independence were upheld. For this we are eternally grateful.”
The Foreign Minister said Malaysia and Australia had always enjoyed “a vibrant cooperative relationship across a broad range of sectors”.
In welcoming Anifah to Melbourne, the President of the Victorian Legislative Council, Bruce Atkins said Malaysia was a “fabulous place” to visit and it was one his favourite countries.
Among the guests were the new Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad and the Consul General here, Datuk Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya and their wives.
The much-anticipated durian eating competition attracted much interest with 10 couples taking part in two sessions, with only one Australian stepping up to the plate.
The winners were Kwan Yoke Fein and Kwan Hae Manh, while S. Marippan and A Kalaivani tied with Lim Lee Seng and Lim Yoke Sim.
The Peranakan Association of Australia won the hearts of many with their dance and song.
– BERNAMA
Performers from the Peranakan Association Australia at the Festival – Photo by Siok Ye Tan