M`SIAN PM ABDULLAH ATTENDS APPRECIATION DINNER

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi Thursday night attended a dinner in his honour after having served as
United Malays National Organization (Umno) President since 2003.

The event, which replaced the traditional presidential dinner, began with a
performance by the Swarasa group and Suhaimi Mohd Zain or affectionately
known as Pak Ngah.

Umno incoming president Najib Tun Razak, vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin and
information chief Muhammad Muhd Taib were among the
2,000 delegates who attended the dinner.

Also present were wife of Prime Minister, Jeanne Abdullah and
wife of Deputy Prime Minister, Rosmah Mansor.

A rendition of the song, "Masihkah Kau Ingat?" (Do you still remember?) by
Kopratasa accompanied a slide show on Abdullah during his tenure in the
government and Umno.

Four poems entitled "Bintang Hadhari", "Percakapan Cinta Kepada Seorang
Khalifah 1 dan 2" and "Potret Perjuangan" were recited by Lt Col Mohd Radzi
Hamid, Tengku Khalidah Bidin and ASP Rosbaini Kassim.

Singer Ramli Sarip serenaded a poetic song entitled "Ku Cari Damai Abadi'
that rekindled Abdullah's memory during his term as Umno President and Prime
Minister.

Abdullah was jovial throughout the dinner although some delegates were seen
moved by the events.

The Prime Minister was presented with four souvenirs which included a golden
keris from Najib.

UMNO is a right-wing party and Malaysia's largest political party; a
founding member of the National Front (Barisan Nasional -BN) coalition, which
has been Malaysia's ruling political party since independence.

-- BERNAMA