Senators,
Deputies,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to thank everyone for making the time to attend this auspicious occasion to celebrate Malaysia’s 54th National Day. I am very pleased and honoured to have your presence, it is indeed a joyous occasion to see familiar faces and I anticipate the forging of new friendships during this reception.
2. It has been four months since I arrived in Mexico and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for their warm friendship and guidance. I envy your ability to speak the Spanish language and on my part I have started learning and have a long way to go. For a try, I would like to present my speech in Spanish. Please forgive me for the poor pronunciation.
3. Today we gather to commemorate and celebrate the significant 54th National Day, or as we call it in Malay – ‘Hari Merdeka’. On the auspicious date of 31st August 1957, Malaysia achieved its independence from the British. This is a day that is celebrated everywhere by Malaysians, be it in the homeland or abroad. Since our independence 54 years ago, Malaysia has evolved from a low-income agricultural country into a moderately high-income modern industrialised nation as it is now.
4. The theme for this year’s National Day is 1Malaysia: Successful Transformation, Prospering the People. It is a reflection of the 1Malaysia concept mooted by the Honourable Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak since he took office in April 2009. The concept is to bring the nation towards greater unity and success under one banner regardless of religion, race and creed. In order to do this, the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) was drawn up and supported by the New Economic Model (NEM) and the 10th Malaysia Plan. Malaysia aims to become a high income nation with sustainable and inclusive economy by year 2020.
5. Our relations with other nations have also flourished over the years, in particular with Mexico. The year 2011 marks the 37th year of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries which was established on 27 March 1974. Since then, even without significant formal bilateral agreements between our two countries, the interchange between our people and countries in various sectors expanded.
6. Many of us would think that Malaysia and Mexico, with a huge geographical distance have huge differences as well. Yet we are closer than our geographical distance suggest. Our historical experiences and cultural norms may be different, but it is these very factors which made us more similar than different. Malaysia is blessed with various races and religions living together in peace and harmony. Mexico also has cultures as diverse as its 31 states and Federal District. Therefore it is easy for us to relate to one another due to our myriad of multi-cultural heritage and experience. Since my arrival almost five months ago, I am impressed with the cultural richness of Mexico and its political, economic and social vibrancy.
7. An interesting fact that is shared by both countries is the date 16 September. As we are all aware, Mexico just celebrated its 201st Independence Day on 16 September 2011. On that day as well, Malaysians celebrated the formation of Malaysia 48 years ago. So on the same date, albeit 13 hours of difference, both countries celebrate an important milestone in the country’s colourful history. Both Malaysia and Mexico have continued to remain strong and united as a nation in the face of domestic adversity and global challenges.
8. Bilateral relations have also been on the rise as demonstrated by the exchanges of visits and initiatives at various official and personal levels. H.E. Aranda Lourdes, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Mexico visited Malaysia in August 2009 and H.E. Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, the Foreign Minister of Mexico visited Malaysia in July the following year. During the visits, both sides reiterated our mutual desires to deepen and broaden relations and cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral level. The most recent visit was by H.E. Dato’ Yong Khoon Seng, the Deputy Minister of Works who attended the 24th World Road Congress in Mexico.
9. In terms of trade, Mexico ranked as Malaysia’s second largest trading partner in the Latin America region in 2010. Malaysia’s trade with Mexico was valued at USD2 billion in 2010 with total exports at USD1.73billion and total imports at USD268.39 million. Over the years we have seen that our bilateral trade is growing, with concentration on the electrical and electronic products. Both Malaysia and Mexico are currently working closely together to further boost the trade relations between our countries.
10. Having said that, there remains enormous untapped potential for cooperation between both countries in a multitude of areas such as tourism, investment, ICT, education and finance. A robust relationship between our two countries and people is one that is built on relationships at all levels, not only between the business communities and other non-governmental sectors, but at the governmental level. On that note, I am pleased to inform that the Mexico-Malaysia Friendship Group was formed in October last year. It is indeed a most welcomed and timely initiative by members of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies to facilitate and expand cooperation between Mexico and Malaysia at the political level. The support of this Group will encourage and enhance activities for our mutual benefit.
11. On a personal note, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Mexican people for their warm welcome and hospitality since I assumed my post here in May this year. I am also proud to note that the Malaysian community in Mexico, although small in size, have carried the name of Malaysia exemplarily over the years.
12. Lastly, on behalf of the Malaysian people, I wish to offer my warmest greetings to His Excellency President Felipe Calderón and the people of Mexico. May this country continue to enjoy peace and prosperity in the years to come. I am confident that we will keep striving ahead so that our bilateral relations will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Thank you.