SPEECH BY DEAN AND CONSUL GENERAL OF MALAYSIA AT THE WORLD OF FOOD FESTIVAL,
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PERTH, W.A.
13 NOVEMBER 2011
His Excellency Malcolm McCusker, AO CVO QC,
Governor of Western Australia and Mrs. Tonya McCusker,
My Consular Colleagues,
Distinguished Guests,
Boys & Girls,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon and Assalamualaikum.
Thank you for being here today for what we hope is the first of many International Food Fairs conducted by the Consular Corps Association of Western Australia in conjunction with the Heritage Council of Western Australia and Government House at their Open Day.
Before I begin, let me express my appreciation to H.E. Malcolm McCusker AO CVO QC the Governor of Western Australia for inviting the Consular Corps to participate in today’s event.
These magnificent surroundings, built between 1859 and 1864 are the perfect location for allowing countries represented in Western Australia to participate in the heritage celebrations of this wonderful state.
In recognising the heritage of Western Australia pertinent to today’s event I note that the accommodation for the first Western Australian Governor in 1824 was in tents on a site near the Corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace.
In 1832 a temporary wooden building was constructed there. It took another 27 years before the current grounds and buildings were settled upon.
At that time there was no Consular representation in Western Australia. Today there are 46 countries with representation in Western Australia – 9 of those are full time career posts with the remainder being represented by Honorary Consuls.
Perhaps it is systematic of the progress currently prevailing that last month 4 new posts were opened in Western Australia being India – a full time career post, Belarus, Mauritius and Mongolia. Two other countries – Ireland and Austria – with long time representation are also in the process of appointing representatives after recent retirements.
What better way is there to present our countries than with a food fair providing a sample of the variety of foods together with a cultural performance?
At this inaugural Consular Corps Association Food Fair we were not able to have all countries represented. However, I would like to thank those that are here today; Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Croatia, Estonia, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Turkey. I would also like to thank the staff at Government House who have made this event possible and the Consular Staff from the Estonian and South African posts who have worked tirelessly for this event.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please enjoy the cuisine and the cultural show you are about to witness today.
Thank you.
Consul General of Malaysia
Perth, WA
13 November 2011
