By Roy Lie Atjam
The Ambassador of Malaysia in the Netherlands, H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah Osman and her spouse Dr Mohd Yazid Abd Manap, hosted a reception in conjunction with the 65th National Day of Malaysia.
The venue was the Rumah Malaysia, the Ambassador’s official residence in Wassenaar, on 22 September 2022.
Over 200 dignitaries including members of the diplomatic corps, high-level government representatives, officials, business and other friends of Malaysia, joined in the jollification on the lawns of the Ambassador’s residence.
The atmosphere was gorgeous, and a constant flow of excellent unique Malaysian food and beverages augmented the ambience even more.
Ms Florence Chong, a Malaysian singer based in Maastricht sang the Malaysian national anthem – Negaraku – and a few songs, including ‘Zande Brand’ (Oh Malaysia) a popular song in the 1960s by a Dutch singer Anneke Gronloh. The attendees were also entertained by the traditional tunes of the Sape string instrument by Mr Jerry Kamit, specifically flown in from the State of Sarawak, in the east of Malaysia.
Malaysia celebrated its 65th National Day on 31st August 2022, with hundreds of thousands of people in parades up and down the country, waving the national flag Jalur Gemilang – Stripes of Excellence.
This year’s celebration themed “Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama,” – Our Strong Malaysian Family.
Amazing, while many are focusing on liberating themselves of the family- and family values, Malaysia clings to authenticity, Malaysian Family Stronger Together – Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama.
Ambassador Dato’ Nadzirah Osman in her welcome remarks stated “It is a privilege to welcome all of you to this reception, to celebrate and commemorate the sixty-fifth anniversary of Malaysia’s National Day. I am delighted that all of you are able to share this joyous occasion with me today.
Over the years, both Malaysia and the Netherlands have nurtured close and warm bilateral relations. While the relations between our two countries can be traced back to more than 400 years, this year is special, as we are celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. Bilateral relations remain strong in strategic areas of common interest be it political, economic or cultural. We are looking forward to elevating further the existing bilateral relations with the resumption of the political consultation between the two countries, which is scheduled to be held early next year.
Currently, there are more than 250 Dutch companies and businesses with operations or investments in Malaysia. With the cooperation and support from all our partners and stakeholders, I am confident that this upward trajectory in trade and investment will continue for many more years to come.
As for bilateral visits, I am delighted that several visits have taken place from both sides this year, at ministerial and senior official levels, to discuss cooperation in various areas such as water management, hi-tech agriculture, science and technology, and the health sector amongst others.
Malaysia has active engagements with multilateral organisations that are based here in the Netherlands. Among others, we are currently serving our fifth term as an Executive Council member of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Our commitment to rules-based order for global peace and security and dispute resolution through peaceful means is also reflected in our longstanding engagement with legal institutions such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), The Hague Conference for International Law (HCCH), and the international courts here in The Hague. We have in our midst the representatives of these organisations and I would like to thank you for your presence today.
I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands particularly to the Asia and Oceania Department headed by my good friend Karin, various other Ministries, Government Agencies, Private Sector and our Dutch friends for their continued support, assistance and cooperation rendered to us which has further strengthened and deepened the ties between our two countries.
Before I conclude, allow me to thank our sponsor, the Sarawak State Government for its generosity and for providing us with a sape player, Mr Jerry Kamit, who came all the way from Sarawak to entertain us today.
Once again, thank you for your presence. I hope you will have a pleasant day with us. Terima kasih, Dank u wel”.
I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands particularly to the Asia and Oceania Department headed by my good friend Karin, various other Ministries, Government Agencies, Private Sector and our Dutch friends for their continued support, assistance and cooperation rendered to us which has further strengthened and deepened the ties between our two countries.
Before I conclude, allow me to thank our sponsor, the Sarawak state government for its generosity and for providing us with a sape player, Mr Jerry Kamit, who came all the way from Sarawak to entertain us today.
Once again, thank you for your presence. I hope you will have a pleasant day with us.Terima kasih, Dank u wel”.
The 65th National Day of Malaysia Celebrations has been fabulous at home and abroad.
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