Mr. Joel Wong
President of the Malaysian Association of Guangdong (MAG)
Good Evening and Salam Penuh Hormat!
I am very honoured to be given the opportunity to be with you all here this evening. I am also pleased that the Malaysian Association of Guangdong Province continues to be in active existence since its formation in 1999. For that, I must commend the hard work and confidence of the past and present MAG Committees and its members in persevering the relevance of the MAG. All of us Malaysians in Guangdong should take and share pride in this accomplishment.
There are thousands of Malaysian in Guangdong and to that I believe the MAG will soon chart a plan of action in increasing its membership and in organising beneficial programmes for its members. As the MAG membership is open to all Malaysians, the MAG will be a significant platform for Malaysians to interact socially and culturally. Further, it could also play role in promoting Malaysia to other nationalities here in Guangdong.
There exist several Malaysian related associations in Guangdong. While each of these associations have their own objectives, it is best that all Malaysian related associations in Guangdong endeavour to work and complement each other. This "form of cooperation" is something that we need to ponder and consider. I am of the opinion that such cooperation is the way ahead for us Malaysians here in Guangdong. In line with our Government's 1 Malaysia concept, I believe all of us will strive to positively work towards uniting and benefiting Malaysians and our country Malaysia.
Our bilateral relations with China especially at the unofficial levels are not pursued entirely by the government. Malaysian citizens also played imperative role in enhancing and promoting further the interaction between Malaysia and the host country. Students and tourism exchanges, trade and commerce transactions for example involved Malaysian citizens. Therefore, while Malaysian citizens are privileged to participate in such exchanges, they need also strive to build and present their image as a respected, law abiding and highly reliable Malaysian citizens. Naturally, the projection of such positive image will further faciliatate in the uplifting of Malaysia's image, thus promoting greater exchanges between Malaysia and the host country.
I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all Malaysians to register with the Malaysian Consulate General. This is not to keep an eye on you but rather to maintain close contact especially in time of emergency and in channeling useful "functional" information. Past experiences of rescuing and assisting Malaysian citizens out of disaster areas and unfortunate happenings were made in difficult, because their whereabouts are not known. Futher to that, in avoiding delicate consequences, it is highly advisable for Malaysians to ensure their presence here in China in whatsoever areas are legal.
Finally, I would like to thank the MAG Committee for organising tonight's event. I also like to express my sincere thanks to the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce - Guangdong, Malaysia-China Friendship Association and the Malaysian Students Association of China - Guangdong for their full support towards the MAG. I hope all of you here tonight will take the opportunity to get to know each other.
Syabas!, Terima Kasih dan Salam 1 Malaysia!
