M'sians celebrate 53rd National Day

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! was echoed by patriotic Malaysian residents during the 53rd Independence celebrations held at the Malaysian High Commission at Jalan Kebangsaan yesterday evening. 

Led by outgoing Malaysian High Commissioner, Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari along with his wife Datin Zakiah, the guests sang the national anthem as they stood witnessing the hoisting of their national flag.

In his speech, the High Commisioner spoke of the trials and tribulations faced during the first few years after Malaysia achieved its independence. 

He said that achieving these obstacles can be attributed to the heroes of the country led by the father of independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. 

The support of the Commonwealth should also not be forgotten as they want to see Malaysia's sovereignty strengthened, he said. 

"Today we can stand tall and stand on our own feet and be a country that's internationally respected," he said. 

He added:"As a developing country, Malaysia can afford to offer assistance to other developing countries that need help with technical expertise or medium financial assistance. In ensuring that the country continues its sustainable competitiveness, he also mentioned programmes set up by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak.

Amongst these programmes are the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and the New Economic Model. 

He also called upon the residents to pay attention to the negative effects of social problems that can halt the development of communication and Information Technology. 

"A moral decline can be seen amongst our youth . If we don't address this, our society will be ruined and this outcome will be repaid by the wrath of Allah (SWT). The relation between Brunei and Malaysia was also mentioned by the High Commisioner and he mentioned how both flags were flying side-by-side in another foreign country. 

"In April, Brunei sent its third group of nine soldiers to be incorporated into the Malaysian contingent at the Unifil mission in Lebanon," he said. 

He also said that both countries, including Sabah and Sarawak, are involved in several areas of cooperation that includes transportation, tourism, agriculture and energy. 

"Brunei is also interested in investing in a few projects in Malaysia," he said. 

In terms of trade, he said that 50 per cent of the Intra-Asean trade that Brunei had with Malaysia added up to $1.79 billion. 

He also mentioned that two Malaysian companies were currently involve in Brunei's National Housing Scheme, namely Bina Pura Holdings Berhad and UEM Builders Bhd. 

As the outgoing ambassador, he said that he will miss all the friends that he made during the three years that he had been here, and added that Brunei "will hold a wonderful memory in my life". 

In concluding his speech, he called upon residents to abide by Brunei laws as well as culture. 

"Don't do things that will offend the sensitivities of the Brunei society and bring shame to our country," he advised fellow Malaysians. 

The joyous occasion also included the presentations of certificates of appreciation and gifts to the best six Malaysian students who excelled in their academic pursuit.

The event ended with guests breaking fast with a scrumptious buffet dinner.

(The Brunei Times, September 1, 2010 - Hana Roslan)