On Monday, 31st August 2009, High Commissioner Dato’ Hasnudin Hamzah and Datin Rusnah Ismail hosted a reception to celebrate Malaysia’s 52nd National Day at the Bunga Raya Hall of the High Commission. Approximately 230 guests graced the reception including Hon. Murray McCully, Foreign Minister, Hon. Pansy Wong, Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Hon. Simon Powers, Minister of Justice, Hon. Georgina te Heuheu, Minister of Disarmament, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Mateparae, Chief of Defence Forces, and Members of Parliamentarians.
The momentous evening began with a speech from His Excellency Dato’ Hasnudin Hamzah, followed by a reply from the Foreign Minister himself, Hon. Murray McCully. Speeches then followed by toast to both Malaysia and New Zealand’s Head of State before the cake cutting ceremony where the High Commissioner was joined by the Ministers.
In his respond to Dato’ High Commissioner’s speech, Minister McCully said New Zealand greatly values its relationship with Malaysia and look forward to broadening the bilateral cooperation and develop even stronger partnership with Malaysia in years ahead.
The evening was also made special, thanks to the presence of members from the Malayan Veterans Associations, who could still converse albeit minimally in Malay. They enjoyed the food greatly and spoke highly of our beautiful and beloved country, Malaysia.
High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand
Wellington
September 2009
