MALAYSIANS IN UAE UNITE IN CELEBRATING NATIONAL DAY

By Muin Abdul Majid

DUBAI, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Spirited shouts of "Merdeka" rang out as
Malaysians working and residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated
Malaysia's 53rd National Day here Tuesday night.

The event, which was also attended by Asean diplomats based in Dubai and Abu
Dhabi, was held along with a breaking of fast dinner at a leading hotel here.

The proceedings kicked off with the recitation of the "doa" (prayer) for the
continued well-being of Malaysia and its citizens, followed by the national
anthems of the UAE and Malaysia.

Present at the event were Malaysian ambassador to the UAE Yahaya Abdul Jabar,
consul-general in Dubai Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin and Abdul Hakim
Asmaun, president of Malaysia Business Council Dubai which organised the
gathering.

They were joined on the stage later by the Asean diplomats as well as Emirati
guests for the cake-cutting ceremony.

In his speech, Yahaya said Malaysia had been able to overcome many
challenges and obstacles, chalking up successes in many forms along the way.

He pointed out that from being an agrarian country, Malaysia had emerged as a
modern high middle-income nation with strong economic fundamentals.

Speaking to Bernama later, the envoy observed that differences were bound to
arise in a multi-racial setting like Malaysia.

Sounding an optimistic note, he said: "We may overcome such challenges by
respecting one another.

"And our long experience in race relations should be able to serve as a guide as
we move forward in building our country."
-- BERNAMA