His Excellency Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of the Philippines made a four-day visit to Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City and Basilan from 3 to 6 April 2012. H.E. Malai Hajah Halimah, Ambassador of Brunei to the Philippines also joined the visit. Ambassador Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim was also accompanied by his spouse Madame Datin Seri Zainab Abd. Kader and the Malaysian Embassy’s First Secretary. These are the Malaysian Ambassador’s first visits to Tawi Tawi, Zamboanga City and Basilan.
2. Zamboanga City is the sixth most populous city in the Philippines and is located at the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula; whereas Tawi-Tawi and Basilan are island provinces located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
3. While in Zamboanga City, the Ambassador is scheduled to meet with the city’s Mayor, Celso Lobregat; and visit the historic Fort Pillar.
4. In Tawi Tawi, the Ambassador will meet with Sadikul Sahali, Governor of Tawi Tawi; Jasper Que, Mayor of Bongao (the capital of Tawi Tawi); and Dr. Macapado Muslim, President of the Mindanao State University (MSU). The Ambassador will also be the guest of honour at the MSU commencement ceremonies where he will deliver the commencement address; and also attend a dinner and cultural presentation hosted by the MSU. The Ambassador will also visit the oldest mosque in the Philippines, the Sheik Makhdum Mosque in Tubig Indangan, Simunul where he will meet with Municipal Mayor Nazif-Ahmad Abdurahman.
5. During the Basilan leg of his visit, the Ambassador will visit Lamitan City where he will meet with city Mayor Roderick Furigay; and visit the Santa Clara Rubber Plantation at the Regional Economic Zone Area. The Ambassador will also visit Isabela City where is scheduled to meet with the city’s Ulama Council and visit the area’s Menzi Rubber Processing Centre.
Embassy of Malaysia
Manila, Republic of the Philippines
2 April 2012