WELCOMING REMARKS BY
H.E. DATO’ KENNEDY JAWAN
AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO JAPAN
AT THE
EMBASSY’S CHINESE NEW YEAR RECEPTION 2020
EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA, TOKYO
8 FEBRUARY 2020
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Welcome to the Embassy of Malaysia and Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái - Happy Chinese New Year to all our friends of Chinese descent.
- The Embassy is pleased to organize the celebration of the Chinese New Year this year in keeping with the practice which started a few years ago.
- Thus, I wish to take this opportunity to highlight some of the unique aspects of Malaysia and her people for the information of our friends - Friends of Malaysia - who are joining us today for this festive event.
- Firstly, as a multiracial country comprising people of various descents or races, Malaysia celebrates a variety of festivals or celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Deepavali as well as Chinese New Year.
- The Chinese or Lunar New Year highlights some of the most fascinating aspects of Chinese tradition and rituals. This festival, celebrated by the Chinese community in Malaysia, is also commonly known as a time for family reunions, firecrackers, the lion dance, mandarin oranges, and giving and collecting ‘Ang Pow’ or Red Packets with money in them.
- The festival, which once also marked the beginning of spring in China, begins on the first day of the lunar calendar year or the first day of the new moon; and ends on the 15th day, known as Chap Goh Meh or the last day of the full moon.
- Unique to Malaysia is the “open house” concept where ─ during the various cultural and religious festivals such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas ─ friends, families and even strangers would visit the homes of those who are celebrating the festival, to wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by their hosts.
- Hence, in keeping with the Malaysian hospitality, today’s event could be said as the Embassy’s Chinese New Year Open House too.
- It is my sincere hope that today’s event will afford every Malaysian who is present the opportunity to catch with friends or make new acquaintances and strengthen the camaraderie among Malaysians living in the Land of the Rising Sun.
- As for the Friends of Malaysia from Japan and other countries, I hope that you will enjoy the Malaysian cuisine and the performances prepared for today’s event. I also hope that this gathering could give you a glimpse of Malaysia’s unique culture.
- I am also pleased to add that the year 2020 has been designated as Visit Malaysia Year 2020 or Mare-sha Kankou Nen in Japanese. A lot of events and exciting activities have been lined up for tourists from Japan and other countries. I hope that you will seize this opportunity to visit Malaysia – a country of beautiful beaches, and pristine national parks, among others.
- On that note, thanks again very much for coming today and I wish you all a very great year ahead.
Thank you.