NEWS BULLETIN Vol. 2/2018 Newsletter of the Embassy of Malaysia in Zimbabwe MAY-DEC 2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: EVENTS HIGHLIGHT  Events Highlight  Head of Mission’s Diary  In Focus: Malaysia’s Foreign Policy  ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together  Destination:  Malaysia Economy: Quick Take  Malaysia Tourism: Quick Take  Malaysian Cabinet 2018  Activities of Foreign Ministry’s Ladies Association (PERWAKILAN)

Malaysia’s Inaugural Debut at Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA) showcasing the diversity of Malaysian traditional dances during HIFA from 1–6 May 2018.

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Mr. Amarjit Singh Sarjit Singh, Chargé d’Affaires, hosted a World #QuranHour was held at the Embassy on 30 Diplomatic & Business Club Friday Coffee at the Embassy on August 2018. The proceedings were led by Maulana 24 August 2018. Adama Mmadi, Zimbabwe’s representative to the 59th International Al Quran Recital and Memorizing Assembly in Malaysia. Students from several Islamic schools (madrasah) also took part in the event.

The Embassy celebrated the 61st Anniversary of Malaysia’s Independence on 31 August 2018 with resident and visiting Malaysians.

Malaysia – Zimbabwe Business Network (MYZIM BIZNET) – Zimbabwe Chapter, under the patronage of the Embassy, organised a Luncheon Talk: Doing Business with Malaysia by Malaysian Investor in South Africa, Mr. Peter Tan, Managing Director, Hardware Africa Private Limited was Guest Speaker on 7 September 2018.

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1st ASEAN Film Festival in Zimbabwe – Malaysian and Some games including volleyball were held at Malaysia Indonesian Embassies in Zimbabwe jointly organised the 1st ASEAN House 12 October 2018 in conjunction with National Film Festival in Harare on 5 October 2018. Sports Day.

Malaysia–Zimbabwe Business Network (MYZIM BIZNET)’s Business Trip to and jointly

organised by the Embassy and the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Malaysia from 11-19 October 2018.

Year-End Gathering at Malaysia House with resident Malaysians, the Embassy’s home-based staff with families and locally recruited staff on 30 November 2018

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HEAD OF MISSION’S DIARY

30 APR 2018 – Honorable Winston Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development of Zimbabwe attended farewell dinner hosted by Chargé d’Affaires in honour of 4 MAY 2018 – Courtesy call on Chargé d’Affaires by H.E. H.E. David Hamadziripi, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Cuthbert Zhakata, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Malaysia. South Africa at Malaysia House.

5 MAY 2018 – Dinner hosted by Chargé d’Affaires at Malaysia House 20 MAY 2018 – Chargé d’Affaires attended Rotary with members of ASWARA cultural troupe who took part in HIFA 2018, Ambassador's E-Club Children's Tennis resident Malaysians and the Embassy’s home-based staff with families. Tournament in Harare.

7 JUN 2018 – Meeting with Mr. Ben Daroueche Ahmed Naguib, newly 13 JUN 2018 – Visit by cycling enthusiasts from appointed Honorary Consul of Malaysia in the Union of Comoros at the on expedition from Cape Town to Makkah. Embassy.

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12 JUL 2018 – Courtesy Call on Chargé d’Affaires by H.E. Bronte Moules, 27 JUL 2018 – Courtesy call on Chargé Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe. d’Affaires by a Malaysian member of Commonwealth Observer Group for the Zimbabwean Harmonised Elections 2018, Advocate Mary Ann Ooi Suan.

8 SEP 2018 – Dinner hosted by Chargé d’Affaires at Malaysia House in honour of Ms. Narcisa Pheres, Founder and Creative Director of Pheres Fashion & Fine 31 JUL 2018 – Chargé d’Affaires with Indonesian, Nigerian and Indian Jewelry. Ambassadors as Observers during Zimbabwe Harmonised Elections 2018.

20 NOV 2018 – Study visit to Esko & Co. 20 NOV 2018 – Gathering with Malaysian diaspora in Mauritius. Ltd., Mauritius.

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15 NOV 2018 – Courtesy call on Chargé d’Affaires by Mr. Foster 20 NOV 2018 – Call by Chargé d’Affaires on H.E. Dongozi, Secretary General of Zimbabwe Union of Journalists. Ambassador Usha Dwarka Canabady, Secretary of

Foreign Affairs of Mauritius in Port Louis, Mauritius.

24 NOV 2018 – Pre-departure discussion with Women in Mining 15 NOV 2018 – Discussion with Zimbabwe Federation of Zimbabwe at the Embassy in preparation to represent of Miners. Zimbabwe at National Conference and Exhibition on Mineral Resources and Mineral Based Product Development in Malaysia from 29-30 November 2018.

11 DEC 2018 – Farewell Call on Chargé d’Affaires by H.E. Stephanus Yuwono, Indonesian Ambassador to 11 DEC 2018 – Courtesy Call on Chargé d’Affaires by Miss. Zimbabwe. Kholwani Mangena, Chamber Secretary and Mr. Ngqabutho Moyo, Public Relations Officer of Victoria Falls Town Council.

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IN FOCUS: MALAYSIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

Malaysia continues to pursue an independent, 6. In terms of technical cooperation with other neighbour” policy to enhance economic relations and principled and pragmatic foreign policy, founded on developing countries, Malaysia has worked with cooperation with its neighbouring countries through the values of peace, humanity, justice, and equality. other countries through the sharing of its experience Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Phillippines East The overarching thrust of its foreign policy has been and knowledge through various foreign policy ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Indonesia- to safeguard Malaysia’s sovereignty and national mechanisms. These include the Malaysian Technical Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTGT) and interests as well as to contribute meaningfully Cooperation Programme (MTCP) and through other entities. towards a just and equitable community of nations linkages such as the International through the conduct of effective diplomacy. Dialogue, bilateral humanitarian assistance as well as through its public diplomacy programmes. 2. Malaysia’s foreign policy is largely influenced and shaped by three key factors, namely its strategic location in Southeast Asia, its attributes as a trading nation as well as its unique demography. While the foreign policy approaches may have differed over the years due to changing domestic and external factors, the basic principles of the policy have continued since independence. Policy- making has been guided by the criteria of credibility together with consistency and coherency, which have served the country’s best interests. DATO’ SERI RAMLAN IBRAHIM SECRETARY GENERAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA 3. ASEAN remains the cornerstone of Malaysia’s foreign policy and the establishment of the ASEAN DATO’ Community in 2015 has significantly elevated MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA 9. In line with the objectives of promoting and Malaysia’s approach and engagement at the protecting Malaysia’s interests abroad, a network of regional level. Concurrently strengthening bilateral 7. As a country with a large Muslim majority, 110 diplomatic missions in 84 countries as well as and multilateral aspects of Malaysia’s engagement Malaysia also gives importance to the solidarity of one friendship and trade centre have been with the world will continue to be an important the Ummah and the spirit of cooperation among the established. The diplomatic missions comprise focus. The nation’s well-being is founded on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates-General strong and friendly relations with other countries Malaysia’s status as a developing nation makes it and Consulates. and its commitment to the multilateral system. imperative for the country to engage actively in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth, 10. In responding to the complexity in global affairs Group of Seventy Seven (G77), Developing Eight and expanding international relations, Malaysia’s (D8), Asia Middle East Dialogue (AMED), Far East conduct will continue to be guided by the principles Asia Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), Indian of respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Asia Europe Meeting integrity and non-interference in the affairs of other (ASEM) and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation nations, peaceful settlement of disputes, peaceful (APEC). co-existence and mutual benefit in relations.

8. Through these organisations, Malaysia has sought to promote the South-South Cooperation among the developing countries and the Muslim world. Malaysia also advocates the “Prosper thy

4. Under the present leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Malaysia continues to promote a forward-looking and pragmatic foreign policy that facilitates trade, attracts foreign investment as well as projects Malaysia as a stable and peaceful country.

5. As a member of the UN, Malaysia is fully committed to multilateralism in advancing global peace, security and prosperity. Malaysia’s record in peacekeeping operations under the UN is a testimony of its dedication in carrying out the mandate of the international community in advancing global peace and security. At the UN and other international fora, Malaysia will continue to actively participate in the deliberations and efforts toward finding solutions to various global issues. Malaysia will continue with the principles of engagement and cooperation rather than isolationism and unilateral action.

Malaysia News Bulletin Vol. 2/2018 7 ASEAN 2025: FORGING AHEAD TOGETHER

The formal establishment of the ASEAN Community The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan at the end of 2015 is not the end of ASEAN III and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, integration agenda. While significant progress has were adopted a year later in 2016, and both form been achieved over the past five decades, based integral parts of the ASEAN 2025: Forging ahead on the work at both the national and regional levels, Together. The ASEAN Community Vision 2025 ASEAN has continued to evolve. In today’s era of envisions a peaceful, stable and resilient community growing interconnectivity and interdependency, the with enhanced capacity to respond effectively to success of the ASEAN Community will be challenges, and ASEAN as an outward-looking incumbent on its ability to remain united, agile and region within a global community of nations, while relevant in the face of possible external shocks and maintaining ASEAN centrality. It also envisions global uncertainties. Having a clear vision and vibrant, sustainable and highly integrated economies, roadmap for the next phase of ASEAN integration enhanced ASEAN connectivity as well as as a Community is therefore imperative. At the 27th strengthened efforts in narrowing the development ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on gap, including through the IAI. It further envisions 22 November 2015, the ASEAN Leaders adopted ASEAN empowered with capabilities, to seize the ASEAN 2025: Forging ahead Together, which opportunities and address challenges in the coming succeeded the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community decade. The ASEAN Political-Security Community by (2009-2015). This integral document comprises the 2025, shall be a united, inclusive and resilient Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging community. The people shall live in a safe, ahead Together, the ASEAN Community Vision harmonious and secure environment, embrace the 2025, the ASEAN Political Security Community values of tolerance and moderation as well as uphold Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Economic Community ASEAN fundamental principles, shared values and Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural norms. ASEAN shall remain cohesive, responsive Community Blueprint 2025. and relevant in addressing challenges to regional peace and security as well as play a central role in shaping the evolving regional architecture, while deepening the engagement with external parties and contributing collectively to global peace, security and stability. The ASEAN Economic Community by 2025, shall be highly integrated and cohesive; competitive, innovative and dynamic; with enhanced connectivity and sectoral.

Malaysia News Bulletin Vol. 2/2018 8 DESTINATION: KEDAH

places of attraction are Lembah Bujang Archaeological Site, Birth House of Tun Dr , Paddy Museum, Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja), State Museum (Muzium Negeri), Makam Mahsuri, Tanjung Tujuh, and Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest.

WELCOME TO KEDAH, MALAYSIA The island was named after two Malay words – ‘lang’ (eagle) and ‘kawi’ (reddish brown), hence The state of Kedah spans approximately 9, 425 sq. km in the imposing eagle statue at Dataran Lang (Eagle the northern part of the Peninsular and together with Square), welcoming visitors who arrive on the , and Kelantan, shares a common border island through the Kuah Jetty. with neighbouring Thailand. It is a fairly small state. Its population is about one million primarily Malay, though There is so much to see and do in Kedah. The top significant Chinese and Indian minorities can be found at on the list that you must not miss is going to Pulau its Capital city of . Langkawi as known as 'Jewel of Kedah' and

experience the blue sea water with beautiful Kedah’s early history can be traced from the prehistoric scenery. The whole of Langkawi can be viewed period to the archeological site of , the early on the cable car. Trying local delicacies is a must maritime trade of India, Persia, Arabs to the written works here in Kedah. Traditional local dishes which are of the early Chinese pilgrims and early Chinese records, also favourites among visitors are "gulai nangka" the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa or known as the Kedah (jack fruit curry), "sayur keladi" and "pekasam". Annals to the Al-Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah. Kedah "Nasi ulam" is another local food which is equally was also known as Kedaram, Kidaram, Kalagam and tantalising. Kataha by the Tamils. It was known as Kalah or Kalaha by the Persians.

Kedah is one of the oldest states in Malaysia and has rich history behind it. Kedah is also known as the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia". Its rice plains produce more than half of the country's home grown rice supply. Kedah is characterized by natural and lustful greenery. Approximately 400 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur and can be accessed thru road, rail and air.

Getting there/around

Getting to Kedah is fairly easy. The state offers an international airport at Langkawi and a domestic airport in Alor Setar. You could also travel from Langkawi Island, a holiday paradise that combines a Langkawi to the mainland and vice versa through tranquil setting from the natural world and luxury from the its boats services. While on land, you could travel modern accommodation facilities offering opulence and here on buses, private cars or trains. Land options scenery all at once. It is an exotic holiday destination that are also speedy and convenient. offers accommodation of all kinds (from budget beach chalets to the most sybaritic five star resorts) and Tourists attractions are just too many to count. amenities sitting side by side with idyllic beaches, ancient These include Langkawi, the rainforests and quaint villages. Langkawi is an which is the tallest building in Kedah, State Art archipelago of 99 tropical islands (or 104, depending on Gallery (Balai Seni Negeri), Royal Boat House, tide) off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Masjid Zahir, Nikradharam Buddhist Temple, about 30km from Kuala Perlis on the mainland. Mount Jerai (Gunung Jerai) and Pedu Lake. Other

Malaysia News Bulletin Vol. 2/2018 9 MALAYSIA ECONOMY: QUICK TAKE

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Malaysia News Bulletin Vol. 2/2018 11 MALAYSIA TOURISM: QUICK TAKE

Malaysia News Bulletin Vol. 2/2018 12 MALAYSIAN CABINET 2018

Malaysia News Bulletin Vol. 2/2018 13 ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN MINISTRY’S LADIES ASSOCIATION (ACTIVITIES JUN-SEP 2018)

28 JUL 2018 – Yoga lesson at the Embassy. 5 JUN 2018 – Iftar at Malaysia House.

25 JUL 2018 – Ladies outing at Café Nush. 15 MAY 2018 – Celebrating Mother’s Day at Chinese Embassy.

2 NOV 2018 – Parade of Flags at UN Day 2 NOV 2018 – Malaysia’s booth at UN Day Celebration at Harare International School. Celebration at Harare International School.

Malaysia News Bulletin Vol. 2/2018 14 RECIPE: KUIH TALAM PANDAN (Pandan Tray Cake)

METHOD:

1. Coat 8-inch (20-cm) square baking pan with oil, line with baking paper, coat again with oil.

2. *Pandan juice: Add 300 ml of water to 55 g pandan leaves, blend until smooth, extract 300 ml of pandan juice.

3. Preparing green layer: Mix together pandan juice, alkaline water, rice flour, tapioca starch and green bean flour. Combine plain water, sugar and salt in a sauce pot, bring to the boil. Add hot sugar syrup to green mixture gradually while stirring, then strain mixture into mixing bowl. Kuih Talam Pandan is a 2-layer nyonya kuih dessert.

The meaning of “talam” is tray. The top white layer is 4. Bring 1/2 pot of water to boil, turn to medium heat, sit made with coconut milk, it is soft and slightly salty. The mixing bowl with green mixture on hot water, cook until bottom green layer is made with pandan juice and has mixture has thickened, remove from heat and mix until some alkaline water added, it is sweet and has a chewy smooth. texture.

5. Pour thickened green mixture into prepared baking INGREDIENTS: pan (create an uneven surface to help both layers

sticking together), steam over medium heat for 15- Ingredients for green layer 16 minutes.  300 ml pandan juice*

 1 tsp alkaline water/lye water 6. Preparing white layer: Mix together thick coconut  100 g rice flour milk, salt, rice flour and green bean flour. Add in hot  65 g tapioca starch water gradually while stirring, then strain mixture into  35 g green bean flour/mung bean flour** mixing bowl.  400 ml plain water

 180 g granulated sugar 7. Using the same method as in the green mixture, cook  1/2 tsp fine salt white mixture until thickened, remove from heat and mix

until smooth. Ingredients for white layer

 390 g thick coconut milk 8. Pour thickened white mixture onto cooked green  3/4 tsp fine salt layer, steam over medium heat for 15-16 minutes.  70 g rice flour

 30 g green bean flour/mung bean flour** 9. Set aside the Steamed Kuih Talam to cool  140 ml hot water completely. 

**Green bean/mung bean flour is actually the starch of 10. When cooled, cut into pieces using oil coated knife mung bean but usually labelled as flour. It is not green (clean the knife with oil coated kitchen towel after bean powder ground from whole green bean. You may several cuts before continuing with the remaining). replace it with Hoen Kwee flour which is usually

available at supermarket (choose the white colour) if you

can’t find the mung bean starch).

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