The Embassy of Malaysia held a reception on the occasion of the 50th National Day of Malaysia on Tuesday, 4 September 2007 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Metro Manila.
Malaysia's 50th Merdeka Celebration
The celebration was attended by about 550 people, including top Philippine’s government and military officials, politicians, Congressman, almost all ASEAN Ambassadors, Honorary Consuls, members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen, representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), press members, Malaysians citizens in the Philippines and Embassy’s staff.
H.E. Ambassador Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi in his welcome speech highlighted that the 50th National Day Celebration on 31 August 2007 was more significant and meaningful with the presence of many Heads of State/Heads of Government from ASEAN and other countries who were invited to join the grand Merdeka celebration in Kuala Lumpur.
Touching on Malaysia and the Philippines’ bilateral relation, H.E Ambassador highlighted that the two countries enjoyed excellent bilateral cooperation and have made much progress in identifying common interest and objectives towards the mutual benefits of the two countries. The camaraderie and rapport enjoyed by the leaders have further strengthened the government-to-government and people-to-people relations.
H.E Undersecretary Esteban B. Conejos, Acting Philippine’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs in his reply speech congratulated Malaysia on the celebration of its 50th National Day Anniversary which marks the golden year of Malaysia as an independent nation. He commented that Malaysia has been an active player in ASEAN and in the international community. He highlighted that Malaysia is a valued partner and ally in the Southern Philippines’ peace process, especially through its commitment and contribution in the International Monitoring Team (IMT).
Following the toast offered by H.E. Ambassador and H.E Undersecretary Esteban Conejos, the guests were treated to authentic Malaysian cuisines prepared by Chef Najwa who was flown from Penang by the Makati Shangri-La Hotel’s management. Among Malaysian cuisines served were deep fried stuffed bean curd with peanut sauce, beef and chicken satay, roti canai with dhal curry, char kway teow with seafood, beef rendang with pulut kuning, kuih som-som, roasted tandoori chicken on mini naan bread, banana and jackfruit spring rolls, assorted pastries and variety of fresh seasonal fruits. While enjoying their food, the guests were entertained to Malaysian multi-ethnic dances performed by a cultural troupe who was flown all the way from Sabah courtesy of Tourism Malaysia. Apart from that, the guests were also entertained with a medley of Malay songs and English ballads performed in acapella by a group of local choir singers.
