Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
Firstly, on behalf of the officers and staff of the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for taking time off your busy schedule to join us this evening to usher in the New Year.
2. Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu.
3. Time flies. It is exactly one year ago today when I landed at Narita Airport; arriving in Japan to begin my assignment as Ambassador of Malaysia. It is also my second assignment in Japan, having being posted in Tokyo here 28 years ago.
4. Indeed, looking back into the past year 2019, it has been a wonderful journey throughout; a momentous journey in Malaysia’s relations with Japan. On 1 May 2019, we joined our friends – the people and Government of Japan - in welcoming the beginning of the Reiwa era and celebrating His Majesty the Emperor’s ascension to the chrysanthemum throne.
5. His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who was elected as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong by the Conference of the Rulers in January 2019, and Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong visited Japan upon the invitation by the Government of Japan to attend the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in October. His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong came to Japan again for a private visit where he officiated the Malaysia Fair 2019, the fair of which was visited by more than 50,000 visitors who wanted to savor and experience glimpses of Malaysian culture and cuisine in Tokyo.
6. Also, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad undertook three working visits in May, August and September of 2019. He also held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Abe of which issues of mutual interest were discussed between the two leaders. Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir also met and held discussions with Japanese business leaders.
7. In addition, 2019 also saw numerous ministerial visits to Japan; and several trade and investment seminars / events held to enhance two-way trade and investment collaborations between the two countries.
8. The activities of the past year has indeed been a reflection of the close and strong ties between the two countries. And certainly it has been undertaken smoothly due to the facilitations, assistance and collaborations with our many friends here in Japan, both Japanese and non-Japanese alike.
9. In this regards, let me take this moment to express our utmost appreciation to the Japanese government – the city wards, the Mayors, and also Gaimusho in particular; the many business organizations – the JMA, Japan-Malaysia Parliamentary Friendship Association amongst others – the NGOs; and last but not least, the many Malaysians in Japan that have provided support to the Embassy’s endeavors.
10. Our task to strengthen and enhance collaborations between Malaysia and Japan is an on-going activity. We thus look forward to all of you for your continuing support towards this endeavor of ours.
11. And for a start, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Government of Malaysia year has designated this year 2020 as Visit Malaysia Year or Mare-sha Kankou Nen in Japanese. Many exciting activities have been planned to welcome tourists from Japan and countries all over the world. In this regard, I would like to call upon all our friends in Japan to assist us in promoting Malaysia as a destination of choice to visit; better still, come and experience yourself the very best that Malaysia has to offer by visiting our beautiful country, Malaysia
12. Lastly, once again I extend our warmest New Year Greetings to all our guests today. We look forward to working closely and wishing you all the very best in 2020.
Kotoshimo Douzo Yoroshiku Onegai Shimasu. Thank you.