In a glittering and joyful evening on Thursday, the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC) celebrated Malaysia’s Independence Day, also known as “Hari Merdeka”, with the Malaysian community along with friends from Cambodia and other nations at the Grand Ballroom of NagaWorld.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlEbLKnBgzc
Hari Merdeka commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of August 31, 1957, and is defined in Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia. The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka, or independence, along with the first president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Tan Cheng Lock, and the fifth president of the Malaysian Indian Congress, V. T. Sambanthan.
MBCC’s Merdeka evening started with a moving rendition of “Negaraku”, the national anthem of Malaysia, followed by guests waving Malaysian flags and singing Tanggal 31 (The Date of 31st of August), a patriotic song composed by Sudirman bin Arshad. The song is arguably the most popular song for Merdeka Day celebrations and has stood the test of time.
During his opening remark, MBCC President Okhna Tan Khee Meng, upon giving his warm welcome to the attendees and VVIP, said that this year’s celebration is a special milestone for the Malaysian community in Cambodia.
“This year is a very special and unique year of our Merdeka celebration, as we celebrate the 66th birthday of our beloved country, we also celebrate the 66th friendship of Malaysia and Cambodia, and this is also the first year of our Merdeka celebration when both Malaysia and Cambodia entered a new era of new leadership, and together I believe both Malaysia and Cambodia are ready to step forward to our new era and our great future,” he said.
Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim speaking during MBCC Merdeka dinner. KT/Pann Rachana
“Today, as we gather to celebrate the 66th anniversary of Malaysia’s Merdeka Day, we are greatly reminded of our Malaysian history. A history that is steeped in struggle, sacrifice, and the persistence spirit of unity.”
Okhna Tan noted that the theme for Hari Merdeka this year, “Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan,” or “Determination of Unity to Fulfill Hope”, is not only a theme but also a call to action and a reminder of the nation’s shared past as well as the value for all Malaysians to pursue.
“During the 1950s era, our senior leaders, a diverse group of individuals representing the multiple races that constitute our beloved Malaysia, stood shoulder to shoulder, united in their pursuit of independence from British rule,” he said.
“Their stories are not just historical facts but a testament to their courage, their strong mind and determination, and above all, their unity. Our country’s founding leader, Tunku Abdul Rahman, followed by Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Hussein Onn, among others, dared to dream of a free Malaysia. They imagined a land where every citizen, irrespective of their race or religion, could live in peace and prosperity. It was their unity and their determination that gave all Malaysians the hope at that time that Malaysia needed to overcome British rule and step into the future as an independent nation.”
And now, Okhna Tan added, as the Malaysian nation marks the first year of independence under the new Unity Government, it is finding itself at a similar crossroads.
“The past three years of political chaos have tested us, but we have emerged stronger and more committed to the unity that defines us,” he said.
“We, as Anak Malaysians (Children of Malaysia), must remember that our strength lies in our diversity. We must stand united, irrespective of our races and religions, to build back the Malaysia that our forefathers dreamed of.”
An emotional moment came later, as Ambassador Eldeen announced during his speech that he was leaving Cambodia soon for Paris, where he had been assigned to a new post. While he did not reveal the exact date for his departure, he said that the new chief envoy for Cambodia has already been decided by the Malaysian government.
Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia President Oknha Tan Khee Meng.
The Ambassador said it was hard for him to say goodbye to the Kingdom after working here for four and a half years and having built a close and loving family with his colleagues, fellow countrymen, and Cambodian friends.
“We are a happy family, and no one can take that from us,” he proclaimed. “They say that we cannot say bye until we fly high, but I am leaving because they already have a new representative to replace me.”
“I would like to say thank you to everyone for the past years for the cooperation, brotherhood, and sisterhood that you have given to me and my wife in the past years. We enjoyed our stay here, and we will always miss all of you. We have created moments that we will all cherish, and those moments will make you smile, as you recall that I did something for you and you did something for Malaysia and Cambodia.”
Ambassador Eldeen presented his credentials to King Norodom Sihamoni on May 1, 2019, and since then has played crucial roles in improving Cambodian-Malaysian ties, which are now considered at an all-time high.
Well-known for his outstanding leadership and down-to-earth personality, he is responsible for leading and coordinating numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the two ASEAN member states bilateral relations and contributing to the social and economic development of Cambodia. One of them is the MBCC Charity Gala Dinner, which raised $77,000 for demining in the country.