National Day Celebrations by Malaysian Society in New Zealand

Malaysians In NZ Celebrate Merdeka

WELLINGTON, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysians abroad should keep the local people better informed and aware of the situation in Malaysia by correcting any misconceptions they may have, Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Datuk Hasnuddin Hamzah said.

"We all should closely work together at all times to maintain and deepen our bilateral ties," he said at a Merdeka (Independence) Day celebration held in Palmerston North, about 130km north of Wellington, Saturday.

About 200 Malaysians attended the gathering jointly organised by the newly formed Manawatu Malaysian Society (MMS) and Malaysian undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in Massey University Palmerston North.

Hasnuddin said: "It (the spirit of togetherness) is indeed a precious asset to all of us (Malaysian), and portrays to our New Zealand friends who we are, a peace-loving and friendly people."

Meanwhile, MMS president Sivakumar Velayutham said the society was formed in Dec 2008, and had about 50 paying members.

MMS, which covers Manawatu district including Palmerston North, Shannon and Levin town, is the fourth Malaysian Society in New Zealand after Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch.

-- BERNAMA