In conjunction with the three main celebrations in Malaysia i.e. National Day (Hari Merdeka), Malaysia Day and Eid-ul Fitr (Hari Raya), the Embassy of Malaysia hosted back to back events of Malaysia's National Day Reception and Merdeka-Raya Open House on 20 September 2011.The National Day Reception was attended by representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in Finland, Finnish Foreign Ministry, Finnish government agencies and NGOs as well as Finnish politicians while the second session of Merdeka Raya Open House was mainly attended by fellow Malaysians and Friends of Malaysia.
Malaysia's National Day is separate from Malaysia Day in which the former is celebrated on 31 August and the latter is on 16 September.
Malaysia's National Day also known as 'Hari Merdeka' (Independence Day) is a day where Malaysia commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957. On the other hand, Malaysia Day commemorates the establishment of Malaysian Federation which marked the joining together of Malaya (now peninsular Malaysia), North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore to form Malaysia.
During the second session, H.E. Ambassador Cheah Choong Kit made a short remarks calling the Malaysians, regardless of race or religion to value the meaning of these three celebrations and embrace the main principles of 1Malaysia, which espouses togetherness and sense of belonging.
First session: H.E. Ambassador Cheah Choong Kit welcoming the guests from the Diplomatic Corps
Second session: H.E. Ambassador Cheah Choong Kit delivering his remarks during the second session with Malaysians and Friends of Malaysia
Malaysians and Friends of Malaysia listening to the remarks given by H.E. Ambassador Cheah Choong Kit
Guests during the second sesson helping themselves to variety of Malaysian savouries.