Canadian Foreign Minister Joins Merdeka Celebration In Ottawa

OTTAWA, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s 55th National Day reception in Canada's capital was given a major boost when Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird turned up for the event. The high profile Canadian minister enjoyed Malaysian fare like satay, roti jala and mee hoon at the reception hosted by Malaysian High Commissioner to Canada Hayati Ismail at her official residence here. Some 250 guests comprising diplomats, Canadian government officials as well as those from business and academic circles attended the event Thursday. Baird congratulated Hayati on Malaysia's Merdeka anniversary and noted that he always enjoyed Malaysian food. Hayati said Malaysia viewed positively such a high-profile attendance from the Canadian administration at the reception. "It's quite an honour for Malaysia for the Canadian foreign minister himself to make time in his schedule to attend our event. It sends a very positive message to Malaysia," the envoy said. Canada was one of the first countries to recognise Malaysia's Independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1957. Hayati also said that the event was a success because all the important elements were working in her favour. "The weather was cooperative for this garden reception. I'm also very pleased with the wonderful turnout of my diplomatic colleagues and Canadian friends," said Hayati who wore traditional baju kurung for the occasion. In Melbourne (Australia), Malaysian consul-general Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya hosted a similar reception Friday which was attended by more than 150 guests including foreign consulate chiefs, Australian politicians, business leaders and Malaysian students. In his speech, Mohd Rameez urged post-Merdeka generations to appreciate the 'sweat and blood' shed by Malaysia's founding leaders to achieve nationhood. "It's my sincere hope that the spirit of Merdeka should prevail and patriotism for our beloved country should be encouraged in schools," he said. He paid tribute to the Allied Forces that had helped defend Malaya and later Malaysia against its enemies. At the event, Victorian State Legislative Assembly president Bruce Atkinson said Malaysia and Australia shared a deep and warm friendship going back many years. Guests who included Malaysian-born Ken Ong, a Melbourne City councillor, Malaysia Airlines manager here Terence Swampillai and SP Setia Melbourne chief executive officer Choong Kai Wai were entertained by two visiting Indian cultural dancers from SMK Sultan Sulaiman Shah in Bestari Jaya, Selangor (state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia). They were among 27 students who were on a two-week exchange visit to Wodonga Middle Years College, about 400km from Melbourne. Members of the Malaysian Silat (indigenous martial arts) Group of Melbourne also gave a demonstration. -- BERNAMA