Malaysians In Bangkok Hold Low-Key National Day Celebration

By Linda Khoo BANGKOK, Aug 31 (Bernama) – Malaysians here gathered to participate in the National Day celebration Wednesday, which was held on a modest scale. About 100 Malaysians, including those residing in the city as well as those on official duty, attended the much-awaited event which was being celebrated after a two-year respite following the COVID-19 pandemic. Resplendent in their traditional attire, Malaysians sang “Negaraku”, the national anthem, with much gusto as the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag) was hoisted. They also sang several patriotic songs. Ambassador to Thailand Jojie Samuel and his wife Datin Catherina Cherian Samuel attended the event together with other embassy officials and staff. Divisional secretary of the Communication Technology unit of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, Ahmad Norhad Zahari, was also present at the ceremony Wednesday. In his speech, Ambassador Jojie said he hoped the event would invoke patriotism among the Malaysians living abroad. “Every year, all Malaysians take the opportunity to appreciate the true meaning of independence and freedom. The National Day marks as a symbol of the history of the formation of a sovereign Malaysia and proof of the success of all Malaysians regardless of race and religion in building a developed, peaceful and prosperous nation.” He hoped Malaysian families residing in Bangkok will soon get to return to their lifestyle before COVID-19 pandemic, enabling more social programmes for the Malaysian families and the embassy to participate in. The 65th National Day celebration, he added, has also strengthened bilateral ties between Malaysia and Thailand. “We will ensure that the momentum of this relationship remains high. The closeness has been proven through visits by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and several cabinet ministers and senior government officials since the beginning of the year until the last few days. “The prime minister's visit in February this year marked the first high-level visit received by Thailand after COVID-19,” he said, adding that it was a manifestation and determination of both countries to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of the people of Malaysia and Thailand. -- BERNAMA