MALAYSIANS IN NZ CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE

BY AHMAD SHUKRAN SHAHARUDIN

WELLINGTON, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysians abroad should keep the local
people better informed and aware of the situation in Malaysia by correcting any
misconceptions they may have, Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand
Hasnuddin Hamzah said.

"We all should closely work together at all times to maintain and
deepen our bilateral ties," he said at a Merdeka (Independence) Day celebration
held in Palmerston North, about 130km north of Wellington, Saturday.

About 200 Malaysians attended the gathering jointly organised by the newly
formed Manawatu Malaysian Society (MMS) and Malaysian undergraduate and
postgraduate students enrolled in Massey University Palmerston North.

Hasnuddin said: "It (the spirit of togetherness) is indeed a precious asset
to all of us (Malaysian), and portrays to our New Zealand friends who we are, a
peace-loving and friendly people."

Meanwhile, MMS president Sivakumar Velayutham said the society was formed in
Dec 2008, and had about 50 paying members.

MMS, which covers Manawatu district including Palmerston North, Shannon and
Levin town, is the fourth Malaysian Society in New Zealand after Wellington,
Auckland, and Christchurch.

-- BERNAMA