Far, yet Near - Celebration of the National Day in Santiago
Though far from home, we are near in spirits. There were no parades and fireworks, but the Embassy celebrated the Merdeka Day by hosting a belated reception at the Sheraton Hotel on 3 September 2007. About 250 guests attended the reception which included members of the Diplomatic Corp, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Agencia Corporacion Internacional (AGCI), the MTCP Alumni and the few Malaysians resident in Santiago. Representatives from the Chilean Armed Forces, Carabineros and Navy were also present.
This year, Mission is especially honoured to receive Mdm. Angela Jeria de Bachelet, the mother of President Michelle Bachelet.
The Chilean officials and guests had a glimpse of the coronation of SPB Yang Di Pertuan Agong as the Negaraku was played against the background of the coronation of the Yang Di Pertuan Agong which was projected on the big screen. A clip let of the Merdeka declaration on the morning of August 31st 1957 by Bapa Kemerdekaan was also shown. The resounding cry of Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! 7 times riveted in the hall giving us a sense of pride and identity.
Ambassador took this opportunity to highlight the Malaysia's double celebrations this year, the coronation of the 13th SPB Yang Di Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin last April and now the 50th Goldern Anniversary of Independence as well as.
He also acknowledged the achievements made by the Malaysia the past fifty years. It has not been without its trial and tribulations as the roller coaster ride has successfully transformed the nation from a struggling agricultural and commodity producer into an industrialised state where manufacturing contributed to more that a third of GDP and represent two thirds of the country's exports. As part of Vision 2020, Malaysia does not want to be a consumer of technology but also be a contributor to technology as well. Malaysia is now the worlds 18th largest trading nation despite of its relatively small size of 25 million. Ambassador also paid tribute to Malaysians and individuals such as Jimmy Choo, and Datuk Michelle Yeoh, who have also carved their reputation internationally and brought further recognition to Malaysia at the International level.
On bilateral relations, Ambassador also highlighted Chile as Malaysia's 4th largest trading partner in Latin America despite of its relatively small size against its larger neighbours. Malaysia is also the sixth largest furniture exporter to Chile. Apart from trade, much efforts are being made to further enhance the cultural exchanges as well as promoting people to people contact through the Malaysian Technical Corporation Programme (MTCP).
He also expressed his hope that President Bachelet would visit Malaysia in the very near future. At least during the tenure of his tour of duty.
As has been the tradition, Malaysian dishes is served during the National Day reception apart from the usual buffet spread. For this year, two stalls served roti canai, teh tarik and kuey teow cooked on the spot.
Apart from the fried kuey teow and roti canai, the other side spreads included nasi goring, bahulu, kuih loyang, dodol, cucur pisang, bubur cha cha, bubur kacang merah, rojak buah, kuih lapis, and roti jala served with chicken curry.
The Arrivals
The Welcoming Address
The Chefs - Djohan and Hafizal
The roti canai man - Chef Djohan
The kueh teow sifu - Chef Hafizal
The Team
The Ladies
The President's mother - Madame Angela Jeria de Bachelet
The Guests
The Cake
The Bunga Telor
The Bigger Team
www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/santiago