WELCOME REMARKS
AT THE RECEPTION FOR THE
59TH NATIONAL DAY OF MALAYSIA
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MALAYSIA – LAO PDR DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
SETTHA PALACE HOTEL, VIENTIANE, LAO PDR
WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2016
H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Excellency Ministers, Ambassadors and Vice-Ministers, senior officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Distinguished Guests, fellow Malaysians in the Lao PDR, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Salam 1Malaysia, Sabaidee and a very good evening,
1. I wish to begin with a Malay greeting ‘Selamat Datang’ or a very warm welcome to all our distinguished guests to our gathering this evening. I am delighted to see all the smiling familiar faces, that are here to celebrate the 59th Anniversary of the Independence of Malaysia that falls on August 31st.
2. For the second consecutive years, the theme for our National Day is ‘Sehati Sejiwa’, loosely translated as ‘one heart and soul’. For a country that is known for its cultural diversity and multi-ethnic society, ‘Sehati Sejiwa’ is a reflection of our common desire to be united, irrespective of race, ethnic or religion. Simply put, it is about Oneness, about Togetherness, about Being One — One People and One Nation — One Aspiration.
3. The spirit of ‘Sehati Sejiwa’ has been the very foundation of Malaysia that had paved the way of our independence almost 6 decades ago. It is the very fabric of the society that allows Malaysia to enjoy continued growth and stand tall, as one of the fastest developing countries in the world. It is indeed a wonder how a small country like Malaysia with multi-racial population, could unite to achieve glory and success in just a short time-span.
4. Under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, the Malaysian economy continues to record sustained GDP growth of 5% in 2015, and despite facing an uncertain and gloomy global economy, Malaysia’s GDP for the second quarter of 2016 was recorded at 4%.
5. The country is now entering its 7th year of the implementation of the National Transformation Programme (NTP) that ensures Malaysia achieves growth in balanced, sustainable and inclusive ways.
6. The success of the NTP is evident, recognized and verified by various authoritative international rating agencies. The Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum placed Malaysia on 18th position in 2015. According to the Financial Market Development of the World Economic Forum Competitiveness Ranking 2015 to 2016, Malaysia is placed 9th as the only emerging market listed among the top 10 countries. In terms of ease of doing business, the World Bank placed Malaysia in the 21st position in 2010 and progressing to 18th position in 2015.
7. Malaysia is currently in the implementation process of the 11th Malaysia Plan. This will be our blueprint to push the country to enter the arena of the High Income Advanced Economy.
8. On the international stage, Malaysia, as one of the non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2015 to 2016 has contributed in ensuring a more equitable and peaceful global community. Our role in the UNSC is recognized as a responsible member, particularly in the context of international peace and security, actively promoting the values of moderation - wassatiyah in Arabic or Islamic term.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
9. These are just to highlight some of the milestones achieved this year that is attributed to the sustained peace and prosperity of the country stemming from our desire to unite as 1 cohesive society. The importance of unity transcend the geographical border of any country. Perhaps this is why the Honourable Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib, in his recent National Day Message reminded Malaysians, “to cherish moments of unity if we are to become great”.
10. This message resonates very well especially in the context of bilateral and regional relations which brings me to highlight the second reason why we are here today.
11. Our congregation today, as indicated in our invitation card, is also a ‘special one’. I said so as today we are also commemorating the 50th Anniversary, i.e. the Golden Jubilee of Malaysia – Lao PDR Diplomatic Relations that was established on 1 July 1966.
12. Over the past 50 years, we have forged close friendship and strategic partnership for cooperation. Both sides enjoy steady progress with the substantive growth in economic cooperation benefitting from the concerted efforts in promoting trade and investment, people-to-people ties as well as exchange of high level visits. Malaysia is now the eight (8th) largest foreign investor in the Lao PDR as compared to the tenth (10th) position in 2010. At the same time, our bilateral trade values continue to grow, although at a more modest scale.
13. I wish to take this opportunity to commend and express my appreciation to the Government of the Lao PDR for the opportunities given to the Malaysian private sector and business community, not only to set foot in the Lao PDR, but expand their economic presence in various areas of mutual interest and benefits including the Special and Specific Economic Zones, banking and financial services, insurance, tourism, manufacturing, education, mining, construction, especially in mega projects like railway and hydropower, agriculture, trading and consultancy.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. On latest development in our bilateral relations, I am pleased to inform that Malaysia and the Lao PDR had established the offices of Defence Attaché in our respective capitals, paving the way for greater defence and military cooperation.
15. The existing 3 times weekly AirAsia direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane and the introduction of Kuala Lumpur- Luang Prabang route beginning 21 November 2016, has and will continue to play significant roles in contributing to the growth of the economy of the Lao PDR. Both countries will certainly reap the benefits of the multiplier effect of the tourism industry.
16. Touching on tourism, I must say that Malaysia is fortunate to have its fair share of the global tourism market that is expanding. With the successful “Year of Festivals (MyFest) 2015, the country received 25.7 million tourist arrivals last year, compared to less than ten (10) million tourists a couple of years ago. With a contribution of USD17.3 billion to the Gross National Income (GNI), the tourism industry currently stands as the third (3rd) largest foreign exchange earner for Malaysia, offering diverse world-class attractions and tourism related services.
17. Judging by these telling signs, I strongly believe that both countries are in the right track to achieve greater heights of cooperation and success. As such, I strongly believe we must make haste of our desirous ambition to harness the full economic potential and people-to-people ties of our good and friendly relations.
18. It is my hope that the coming 50 years of age of Malaysia-Lao PDR relations will bring renewed impetus to push for greater cooperation by both countries. Bilateral relations between our two countries will only get better in the years to come. Business and investment will prosper and of course our people will become closer.
19. I take this opportunity to reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation and partnership at the bilateral level as well as at the regional level through ASEAN. Malaysia will work side by side with the Lao PDR to realize our common desire to create a peaceful and prosperous ASEAN Community and achieve the ASEAN Vision 2025.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
20. 2016 is an eventful year for us in Lao PDR. It is also a very busy and demanding year for the Lao PDR as it assumed the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016, taking the leadership mantle from Malaysia, to lead the first year charge towards the realization of ASEAN Vision 2025, as a concert of nation that we proudly called as ASEAN Community.
21. In this regard, it is not too late for me to join the world, the international community, in congratulating the Government of Lao PDR for successfully hosting the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits and your excellent stewardship of ASEAN. If Malaysia’s Chairmanship was marked by the launching of ASEAN Community on 31st December 2015 and the 10-year blueprint of ASEAN 2025 Forging Ahead Together, the Lao Chairmanship is marked by the completion of two landmark documents which is the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the IAI Work Plan III. These are two integral documents to the ASEAN 2025 Forging Ahead together aimed towards enhancing regional connectivity and narrowing the development gap in the region.
22. In closing and once again, I wish to express my utmost appreciation and thanks to the Government and friendly people of the Lao PDR for their warm hospitality, solidarity and excellent support extended to the Embassy of Malaysia as well as to fellow Malaysians residing and doing business in this country.
23. I hope that all of you would enjoy the Malaysian Food that is being served tonight. “Selamat Menjamu Selera” and “Bon Apetite”.
24. To our distinguished Laotian and Malaysian guests, I wish you "Happy 59th National Day of Malaysia and Happy 50th Anniversary of Malaysia - Lao PDR Relations."
Korp Chai Lai-Lai, Terima Kasih.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
25. May I now propose a toast: to the strengthening of Malaysia – Lao PDR bilateral relations after a successful 50 years of friendly and meaningful ties and to the continued good health of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu’Adzam Shah and President Bounnhang Vorachith of the Lao PDR as well as to the prosperity, success and happiness of the peoples of both countries, as well as countries of all our guests who are present here this evening.
Korp Chai Lai Lai and Terima Kasih for your presence this evening.
Embassy of Malaysia
Vientiane, Lao PDR
5 October 2016