Speech by HE Dato? S. Thanarajasingam
Ambassador of Malaysia to France at
A Dinner in honour of the French National Press ASSOCIATION
Date : 12 June 2007
Venue : Hotel Sofitel Champs-Elysées
Time : 1900 hrs
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening / Bonsoir / Selamat Petang,
It is indeed a privilege for me to be at this Malaysian dinner in honour of the French National Press Association, thanks to the initiative of Ms. Adlina Borhan, Director of Tourism Malaysia with the assistance of Mr. Zainuddin Mohamad, General Manager of Malaysia Airlines.
2. As members of the media, you play a very important role in disseminating information to the public. It is for this reason that the media is seen as the fourth estate. Indeed in this age of information communication technology, the role which the members of the media play is critical.
3. Notwithstanding the development of the blogs and websites, the role of traditional journalists continues to be vital. Certainly there is a need for a hardcopy in the form of printed publication, irrespective of lifestyle changes.
4. I do not think journalists are an endangered species. It is probably the diplomats who are endangered, given the profound transformation in our times.
5. Certainly I believe that you can all help in deepening and strengthening Malaysia-France relations. I would like to invite you all to visit Malaysia so that you will get a first hand knowledge about Malaysia. I am sure that during your visit, you will realize that there is a story to tell about Malaysia as we celebrate 50 years of our independence and 50 years of establishing Malaysia-France relations.
6. You will be able to understand better why Malaysia is truly Asia. You will witness nature?s generosity to Malaysia including the 130 million old forests, and the miles of beautiful beaches. You will see inspiring modernity, not just in the Petronas Twin Towers but in other aspects of Malaysian life. Above all, you will be touched by the hospitality and warmth of Malaysians.
7. Hopefully, the Malaysian cuisine tonight will entice you to visit Malaysia, as this is also Visit Malaysia Year, which goes on until 2008 as well. I do not have to extol Malaysian gastronomy as you will make your assessment of the cuisine tonight. But I must share my belief that it is about time that the secrets of Malaysian cuisine are not only discovered but revealed for the world to relish Malaysian delights.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. In less than two weeks, the Honourable Minister of Domestic Trade of Malaysia would be in Paris promoting again Malaysian food products at Carrefour Evry. If you wish to continue to savour our delights and delicacies, please visit Carrefour Evry from 25 to 29 June 2007. That activity too is part of our concerted efforts to introduce and promote Malaysian gastronomy in France.
9. With these words, let me wish you a pleasant and enjoyable evening and Bon Appetit.
