Malaysia's Unique 'Truly Asia' Cultural Heritage Showcased In Astana

By Salawaty Supardi ASTANA (Khazakhstan), July 10 (Bernama) -- Splashes of vibrant colours that represented Malaysia’s unique ‘Truly Asia’ cultural heritage with the “1Malaysia” and “Negaraku” spirit were showcased at the Malaysia Day celebration here, Monday. Heavy rain did not deter the celebration being held on the sidelines of the Expo 2017 Astana to take place at the National Day Stage site, which has been the venue of national day celebrations held by the other 115 participating countries. A cultural troupe from the National Culture and Arts Department of Malaysia showcased the colourful dances and costumes presenting different ethnic groups in Malaysia to the delight of guests. Energy, Green Technology and Water Acting Deputy Minister S.K Devamany said part of Malaysia’s success was due to the fact that the country is one of the most plural societies in the world. "While many countries are becoming plural with the massive migration taking place globally, Malaysia was born as a multi-ethnic nation 60 years ago", he said in his opening remarks at the Malaysia Day celebration. Among others present were Kazakhstan Vice-Minister of National Economy, Zhumagulov Aibatyr; International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Ahmad Maslan; Tourism and Culture Deputy Minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Malaysian Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Syed Mohamad Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman. Devamany, who is also Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, noted that as in most countries with diverse population, Malaysia had its fair share of trials and tribulations. "However, instead of allowing our differences to tear us apart, we withstood it all to emerge as a harmonious nation that is poised for more success. "It is the foresight of the leaders who had managed to successfully imbue the notion of ‘My Country’ or ‘Negaraku’ in each and every Malaysian. We are a living example of unity in motion,” he said. Earlier, Aibatyr in his welcoming speech, said Kazakhstan regarded Malaysia as an important strategic trade and economic partner among the countries of Southeast Asia. "Malaysia is a reliable and long-term foreign economic partner for us. We appreciate these relations and intend to strengthen it in the framework of the Working Groups on the halal industry, Islamic finance, tourism, renewable energy, oil and gas and investment cooperation," he said. Expo 2017 that kicked off last month will draw the curtains on Sept 10. -- BERNAMA