Santiago celebrates Agong's birthday
The chill winter air of Santiago did not stop the small Malaysian community numbering less than 20 from celebrating the Yang di 'Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's birthday last Sunday, June 2, 2007. The gathering was held at the residence of the Ambassador or fondly known as 'Rumah Malaysia' to all Malaysians in Chile.
The occasion started with the singing of the national anthem, 'Negara Ku' led by HE Ambassador Abdullah Faiz Zain.
This was followed by a short speech in which the Ambassador stated that this year is a double celebration for Malaysia. Last April 26, Malaysia celebrated the coronation of His Majesty Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin as the XIII Yang Di Pertuan Agong and come 31st August, Malaysia will be celebrating her 50th Anniversary of Independence.
According to the Ambassador, the King is more than an institution. The King is a symbol of the unity of the people of Malaysia. Ambassador also recalled the speech made by His Majesty Yang di Pertuan Agong during the coronation. His Majesty stated that the racial, religious and cultural diversities of Malaysians are not an obstacle but a unique feature to enhance the country's strength and prosperity. His Majesty Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin at 44 is the second youngest Yang Di Pertuan Agong to accede to the throne. Daulat Tuanku.
The Ambassador also gave a brief outlook of the country's economy which was performing well registering 5.9 per cent growth last year. The economic expansion was helmed by the private sectors. In ensuring a fair distribution of the country's development in the 9th Malaysia Plan, the government would redouble its efforts to deal with socio-economic imbalances in a constructive and productive manner.
The Ambassador took the opportunity to introduce and welcome two new members of the Malaysian community, i.e. Mrs. Anil Fahriza Adenan, Second Secretary, and Ms. Anis Syakirah Muhammad Radzi, the two-month old infant of Mr. Muhammad Radzi Jamaluddin, First Secretary of the Embassy. Mrs. Anil just arrived a few days earlier, while baby Shakirah was born on April 14 in Santiago.
After the speech, the Malaysians were treated with a sumptuous spread of Malaysian dishes specially prepared by the Ambassador's wife, Puan Wan Ehsan Taib, no relative of Chef Wan. The other ladies chipped in and brought malay kueh, currypuffs and also cheese cake for desserts.
www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/santiago
