Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC) on Wednesday celebrated Malaysia’s Independence Day, also known as “Hari Merdeka”, with the Malaysian community along with friends from Cambodia and other nations in a spectacular dinner at the Grand Ballroom of NagaWorld.
Hari Merdeka commemorates Malaysia’s Declaration of Independence on August 31, 1957, and is defined in Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia. The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances across the country as well as celebrated by Malaysian communities all over the world.
The event also celebrated the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Malaysia, which was established immediately after Malaysia’s independence.
Guests wave Malaysian flags as the song Tanggal 31 is played.
KT/Chor Sokunthea
The Merdeka night on Wednesday was attended by more than 350 people, with Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia, as the special guest of honour.
The evening started with a moving rendition of “Negaraku”, the national anthem of Malaysia, followed by a group flag-waving with the song Tanggal 31, by Sudirman bin Arshad, played. The song is arguably the most popular song for Merdeka Day celebrations that has stood the test of time.
Aside from the food prepared by NagaWorld, guests were entertained with a magic show by Jorome Lee, and music and dance performances. All guests enjoyed socialising with fellow Malaysians, a visiting Malaysian trade delegation and other attendees.
Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim (C) joins other guests in waving the Malaysian flag to celebrate the country’s Independence Day. KT/Chor Sokunthea
In his welcoming speech, MBCC President Okhna Tan Khee Meng lauded the unity and solidarity of the Malaysian community in Cambodia and its good relationship with local citizens and the government which has led to success and prosperity.
“Malaysian businesses are also very active in Social Cooperate Responsibility to return to society,” he said. “For example, in the recent Charity Gala Dinner, we raised $77,700 to be allocated to the demining effort in Cambodia. It is a great achievement for MBCC.”
On the occasion, Tan also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador Eldeen, for being awarded the Seri Melaka Degree (DPSM) that carries the title of “Datuk”.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Eldeen warmly welcomed guests to the celebrations, adding that he sincerely appreciated all the non-Malaysians who celebrated the occasion with his fellow countrymen.
“I am proud of what the Embassy of Malaysia has achieved since I arrived. We really gave it our best. Obviously, our effort would not have mattered without the support of our Cambodian friends, and especially the hard work and patriotism of Malaysian community in Cambodia,” he said.
Ambassador Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim leading Malaysian guests to repeat the word ‘Merdeka’ used in the first declaration of Independence in 1957. KT/Chor Sokunthea
“The 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations is a good time for both sides to work together and establish more programmes and activities to enhance relations at a personal level between Malaysians and Cambodians.”
Ambassador Eldeen also highlighted his strong desire to bring more Malaysian investors to Cambodia, in addition to the current ventures in various sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, trade and tourism.
“MBCC remains at the forefront of Malaysian business endeavours in Cambodia, and the groundwork and excellent platform of cooperation they have established will see them remain important and essential in the Kingdom when it comes to promoting two-way economic ties between Malaysia and Cambodia,” he said.