VOL 1/2019 - JANUARY-JUNE Page 1
Dear Readers, IN THIS EDITION: The High Commission of Malaysia is pleased to bring you the first edition of its E-Newsletter for 2019. The first half of the year was indeed eventful on many fronts, not only in Main Highlights 2 Malaysia-Australia relations but also developments within
Australia. Visits to Canberra 3
On the bilateral front, Malaysia successfully hosted the Engagement Events 4 Second Senior Officials' Talk on 30 April in Putrajaya. The Activities at Mission 8 Meeting provided the platform for senior officials to discuss and exchange views on Malaysia-Australia bilateral ASEAN Committee Canberra 12 relations as well as other issues of mutual concern. In addition, we also received several visits by Malaysian OIC Group in Canberra 14 delegations to Canberra and other cities in Australia that further strengthened cooperation between the two PERWAKILAN Canberra 15 countries. Farewell & Greetings 16 Major events on the domestic front in Australia were the News in Australia 17 Federal Election, swearing in of the new Governor-General His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC Visit Malaysia 2020 18 DSC (Retd), and the opening of the 46th Parliament.
This newsletter will also provide a broad snapshot of the
Contact Us: engagement events and activities by the High Commission in further strengthening bilateral relations and promoting T: (02) 6120 0300 / 310 Malaysia in Australia.
E: [email protected] We hope you will enjoy reading this Newsletter. [email protected]
W:http://www.kln.gov.my/web /aus_canberra Page
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS 2
SECOND SENIOR OFFICIA LS' TALK, 30 APRIL 2019
As outlined in the framework of the 2015 Joint Declaration of Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and Australia, Malaysia successfully hosted the Second Senior Officials' Talk (SOT) in Putrajaya. The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary-General Dato' Shahrul Ikram and Secretary Frances Adamson from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It was a fruitful meeting where both sides were able to exchange views, ideas and build on the understanding to further advance Malaysia-Australia bilateral cooperation and other strategic issues of mutual interest.
31st ASEAN-AUSTRALIA FORUM , 2-3 MAY 2019
As the current country coordinator for ASEAN- Australia Dialogue Partnership, Malaysia hosted the 31st ASEAN-Australia Forum in Putrajaya. The meeting was attended by ASEAN Senior Officials while Australia was represented by H.E. Richard Maude, Deputy-Secretary Indo- Pacific Group, DFAT,
The officials exchanged views on the developments in ASEAN-Australia relations, regional and international issues and the future direction of ASEAN-Australia partnership. The meeting provided a positive momentum in moving forward the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Partnership.
Page
VISITS TO CANBERRA 3
Visit by Special Off icers , 9-16 Feb 2019 A delegation of Special Officers from various Ministries in Malaysia visited Australia as part of Australia’s Special Visit Programme. Besides Canberra, the delegation also visited Brisbane and Sydney and had engagements with their Australian counterparts.
MYGOV*Net Global V isit, 29-30 April 2019 Ms. Hamidah Mat Saat, Undersecretary of ICT from MAMPU led a delegation of officials to brief on the commencement of MYGOV*Net Global Australia, a project by MAMPU to upgrade and integrate the IT infrastructure of Malaysian Missions overseas.
Visit by Chairman of th e Election Commission, 14-20 May 2019 Chairman of the Election Commission, Mr. Azhar Azizan Harun was in Australia at the invitation of the Australian Electoral Commission, to observe the Australian Federal Election, held on 18 May 2019.
Visit by Secretary-General MOT, 1-4 May 2019 The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport Datuk Mohd Khairul Adib was in Canberra to meet with officials from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to look at Australia's experience in setting up its Federal Transport Safety agency.
Muslim Young Leaders' Pro gramme, 23-28 June 2019 Five young leaders, comprising four newly elected Members of Parliament, and a senior journalist visited Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne as part of Australia's Special Visit Programme. The visit fostered intercultural understanding between Malaysia and Australia as participants were involved in round table discussions with various Australian organisations. Page
ENGAGEMENT EVENTS 4
Chinese New Year Gath ering, 13 February 2019
Officials from the High Commission of Malaysia joined the Malaysian diasporas in Canberra for a Chinese New Year Gathering at Spices of Melacca, one of the popular Malaysian restaurants in Canberra. More than 35 Malaysians attended the gathering.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the High Commission to engage with the Malaysian community in a warm and friendly environment, while enjoying a delicious array of Chinese New Year dishes. In keeping with tradition, Yee Sang was tossed to a year of prosperity, good health and happiness.
AMMF Family D ay, 2 March 2019
Fun and BBQ, it’s what summer is about!
The High Commission joined the family day organised by the Association of Malaysian Muslim Families (AMMF) at Lake Burley Griffin. Aside from the Aussie barbecue and potluck dishes, guests enjoyed playing with games such as ‘baling tin’ for the children and tug-of-war for adults. Winners were awarded prizes presented by High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha. Page
Kulai District Student Leaders' Board, 25 March 2019 5 The High Commission hosted a visit by the student leaders and teachers from the Kulai district in the southern Malaysian state of Johor at Dewan Merdeka. Their visit to Australia was part of the educational programme to learn more on the culture, tradition, lifestyle and architecture in Australia.
During the session, High Commission officials shared insights into the history and role of the High Commission in Canberra. Malaysian students from the Australian National University in Canberra also participated and provided valuable and captivating views into life as a student in a foreign country.
This light-hearted session provided the opportunity for the High Commission and the ANU students to engage with future leaders of Malaysia.
An Evening with High Com m & MASCA, 3 May 2019 This joint event between the High Commission and Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (MASCA) ACT was attended by 60 students from various universities in Canberra. MASCA National's Chairperson, Mr. Scott Loh, traveled all the way from Melbourne to support the event.
Conducted in a “town hall” manner, it was led by a moderator with two panelists - High Commissioner Dato' Sudha and President of MASCA. Various topics were covered from diplomacy to political developments and career advice. Students were also interested to learn about MASCA and the role and experience of High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha.
The session demonstrated MASCA’s keen interest in maintaining close ties among its members as well as the Malaysian High Commission.
Business Networki ng, 19 March 2019 Page 6
Mobile Office Progra mme, 17 June 2019
In early June, the Immigration Office in Australia organised a Mobile Office Program in Adelaide.
The yearly program, has been held since 2013, aimed to assist Malaysians, especially those living in states that do not have an Immigration Office or a Consulate with their passport renewal and other immigration-related processes.
A business network programme known as "Bridging ACT Business to Malaysia as the Gateway to ASEAN" was jointly-organised by MIDA Sydney and Canberra Business Chamber, Australia Malaysia Business Council and AUSTRADE.
Participated by 45 businesses and companies from Canberra, the event was officiated by High Commissioner Dato' Sudha and Mr. Brendan M. Smyth, Commissioner for International Engagement ACT.
The event provided a venue for participants to listen to briefings regarding investment opportunities in Malaysia and in Australia . Page
COURTESY CALLS 7
27 February 7 March H.E. Korhan Karakoc, H.E. Fereidoun Haghbin, Ambassador of Turkey Ambassador of Iran
26 March 27 March 5 April H.E Reiichiro Takahashi, Group Earth Observatory Jeremy Sturchio, Ambassador of Japan Secretariat Vice President Visa Worldwide
Not in pictures:
30 Jan -Dato' Seri Hj. Mustafa Hj. Ali CEO National Financial Crime Centre
26 Feb - H.E. Mr John Kali, High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea
26 March -Dr. Haniff Zainal Abidin, Undersecretary, Strategic Planning Division Ministry of Home Affairs
20 June 27 June 11 June - H.E. Dr. Alexey Natasha Griggs, Chin Tan, Pavlovsky, Ambassador of Administrator of Christmas and Race Discrimination Russia Cocos (Keeling) Islands Commissioner
Page
ACTIVITIES AT MISSION 8
SPKM 1/2019, 29 JANU ARY 2019
The first Meeting of the Sistem Pentadbiran Kerajaan Malaysia (SPKM) was attended by Heads of Department in the High Commission and the Consulate of Malaysia in Sydney including Education Malaysia Australia (EMA), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and Tourism Malaysia.
AGM HCMC CL UB, 20 MARCH 2019
The High Commission of Malaysia Club (HCMC) held its Annual General Meeting and appointed new faces as Committee Members. We look forward to the activities planned for the year. Page 9 BARBECUE @ HIGH COMM ISSION , 5 APRIL 2019
Members of the High Commission gathered at the High Commission's garden for a barbeque, a much needed break after a long-week of hectic schedules. The staff enjoyed a good chat over a delicious feast. High Commissioner Dato' Sudha and Deputy Mr Fareed planted apple and cherry trees in the garden.
ISRAK MIKRAJ, 27 APRIL 2019
In conjunction with the celebration of Israk Mikraj, the High Commission, in collaboration with the AMMF organised a jama'ah prayer with fellow Malaysian Muslims at Dewan Merdeka. Dr Harith Roslizar, a guest speaker from Sydney delivered a tazkirah on the significance of Israk Mikraj in Islam.
QURAN HOUR, 3 0 MAY 2019
The High Commission organised ‘Quran Hour’ to support the global programme 'One Hour with Quran', an initiative by Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation (WUIF). The programme was led by Ustaz Iszam Padhil, First Secretary of JAKIM and participated by Muslim Home-Based Staff. Page
RAMADHAN & AIDILFITRI 1440H 10
Once again, Muslims in Australia completed the month of Ramadhan and celebrated Aidilfitri during winter. Fasting in winter means shorter daylight and breaking fast at 5 p.m.
Throughout Ramadhan, the High Commission in collaboration with AMMF, organised Bazaar Ramadhan during the weekends. The public was offered a taste of various Malaysian food, especially our fellow Malaysians who have been craving for scrumptious dishes such as nasi kerabu, laksa and kuih-muih. An iftar and tarawikh prayers were also held on 25 May, attended by Malaysians living in Canberra.
Aidilfitri in Canberra was as fun and memorable as it is in Malaysia. The High Commission organised a Solat Hari Raya on 5 June and a Muhibbah Hari Raya on 29 June 2019. Meanwhile, AMMF and Malaysian Consulate in Sydney organised their Raya event on 22 and 26 June, respectively.
A l a sa in Qur : O yo w o be ed, de d up yo is fa n as it wa de d up t o be yo t a yo ma be ri t u
Q U R A N , 2 : 1 8 3 Page 11 World Bee Day
Bees have become increasingly endangered of late. Nearly 10% of bees are facing extinction and around 5% of them are probably endangered. The world is facing a ‘pollinator crisis‘ as the number of pollinators is in decline around the world, while the need for pollination is on the rise especially in developing countries. On that cause, the United Nations declared 20 May as World Bee Day to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem.
In support of this day, the High Commission, in collaboration with Consulate in Sydney and the Ministry of Agriculture at Parliament House on 19 May 2019. Jointly-organised by the Embassies of Slovenia, Switzerland and Sweden, the event saw the participation of foreign embassies and beekepers' association in showcasing to the public of various kind of honey as well as other information related to bees.
Malaysia showcased its national honey of Tualang and Kelulut. The public was able to taste these two different types of honey and most of them really liked the taste of Kelulut - tangy yet unique, they said! Buzz~ that's our bees, honey!
Why 20 May? In May, the northern hemisphere sees bees and nature develop profusely, while the southern hemisphere enters autumn, when hive products are harvested and the season of honey and honey-based products begins.
20 May is also the birth date of Anton Janša (1734–1773), a Slovenian beekeeper, the pioneer of modern beekeeping and one of the greatest authorities on the subject of bees. Page ASEAN COMMITTEE IN 12
CANBERR A (ACC)
Malaysia successfully chaired the ASEAN Commitee in Canberra (ACC) for six months from January to June 2019. During its Chairmanship, there were three (3) HoM Meetings and nine (9) activities carried out with the full participation of all ACC Members States. Engagement with senior dignitaries and officials such as with H.E. Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN; the Hon. Senator Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs; H.E. Linda Dessau, Governor of Victoria; H.E. Grigory Logvinov, Ambassador of Russia; and Julie Heckscher, First Assistant Secretary of DFAT were among the activities.
Malaysia also coordinated ACC's participation at annual events such as the 'ASEAN Village' at the National Multicultural Festival in February and the Canberra Times Australian Running Festival in April. Thanks to the full support and cooperation extended by the Members of ACC, all activities were a success. It was a memorable experience for us!
The activities organised have further strengthened the spirit of camaraderie among the ACC. We are proud of what we have accomplished as a team, and continue to look forward to more programmes for the second half of 2019 which will be chaired by Myanmar. We wish all the best to Myanmar and we will give our full support to the ACC activities.
"One Vision, One Identity, One Community” Page ACC ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE 13
Afternoon Tea with H.E. Lim Hock Joi, Engagement Session with Senator the Hon. Secretary-General of ASEAN, Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Foreign 11 February 2019 Affairs, 13 February 2019
Opening Ceremony of 'ASEAN Village' at Engagement Session with H.E. Grigory National Multicultural Festival, Logvinov, Ambassador of the Russian 16 February 2019 Federation, 10 April 2019
Engagement Session with Ms. Julie The Canberra Times Heckscher, First Assistant Secretary Australian Running Festival, Southeast Asia Division DFAT, 10 April 2019 13 April 2019
Engagement Session with the Hon. Linda Dessau, Governor of Victoria, Handing Over Chairmanship to Myanmar, 19 June 2019 June 2019 Page OIC GROUP IN CANBERRA 14
OIC Heads of Mission Plen ary Meeting, 2 May 2019
The OIC Group in Canberra held its Heads of Mission Plenary Meeting at the Embassy of Indonesia. The Meeting was chaired by Indonesia and participated by 22 OIC Member States' Heads of Mission. The Group discussed the outcome of the Steering Committee Meeting and proposed programmes and activities for 2019. The proposal for a joint- Ramadhan Iftar was also discussed.
OIC Ramadhan Ifitar, 31 May 2019 A Ramadhan Iftar was hosted by the OIC Group at Old Parliament House. It was attended by 250 guests consisting of Australian government officials, business counterparts, diplomats and religious group representatives. Guests were treated to traditional delights, including by Malaysia where we served roti jala, pasembur and Malaysian kuih-muih. Page
PERWAKILAN CANBERRA 15 PERWAKILAN Canberra, empowered by common interests in enhancing the welfare of its members, often engages itself in a wide range of Behind every activities. The ladies enjoyed the spirit of camaraderie and continue to successful woman support each other. The activities organised brought the members closer is a tribe of together and developed a sense of togetherness, comfort and support successful when living away from home. PERWAKILAN Canberra looks forward to organising more fun activities for the rest of the year. women, who have her back
20 Jan: Visit newborn baby 31 Jan: AGM Perwakilan 2 Feb: Cooking preparation of Puan Azlina for National Multicultural Festival
16 Feb: National Multicultural 31 March: Visit to National Museum - 4 April: Farewell Dinner - Festival "The Antartica Experience" Puan Saadah Ali
13 April: The Canberra Times 24 April: Muhibah Visit - 13 June: Farewell Dinner - Australian Running Festival Puan Azlina Ab Taib Puan Rahizal Ramlii Page
FAREWELL & GREETINGS 16
The High Commission bids farewell to Col. Mhd Nazri Abd Rahman, Defence Adviser and Mr. Wan Ahmad Shukri W.M. Dumiri, Assistant Immigration Attache who returned to Malaysia on 20 April and 29 June 2019. While it is sad to depart, the High Commission nevertheless had the pleasure to welcome Col. Nahar Azmi Mamud Ahmad, the new Defence Adviser and Ms. Shafizawati Ahmad Shahar, the new Immigration Attache at the High Commission. All the best to them in their future endeavours!
Col.Mhd Nazri Abd Col. Nahar Azmi Mr. Wan Ahmad Ms. Shafizawati Rahman Mamud Ahmad Shukri W.M. Dumiri Ahmad Shahar IN LOVING MEMORY..
The High Commission was saddened by the passing of Mr Alan De Zilva on 18 June 2019. He is survived by his loving wife Grace, sons Andrew, Aaron and daughter-in-law Rei. While Alan lived in Canberra for more than 30 years, he had not forgotten his roots and Malaysia was always in his heart.
Alan‘s involvement with the High Commission is truly appreciated as he always gave his full support for any event organised by the High Commission. His effort in organising events and gatherings such as the Picnic at the Park and Chinese New Year Gathering had brought together Malaysians in Canberra. Alan, your warmth, friendliness and passion for life will always be remembered.
Page 17 NEWS IN AU STRALIA Some snippets of news highlights in Australia:
23 March – NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian 2 April – Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered the was re-elected as the Premier following the Australian budget for 2019-2020. The Budget announcement also marked the beginning of winning of Liberal-National Coalition campaigning for the following month’s federal government in the 2019 New South Wales election. State election.
16 May – Just 2 days before the federal election, 18 May – Congratulations to Prime Minister Scott Australia’s 23rd Prime Minister Bob Hawke, died Morrison on leading the victory for Liberal–National aged 89. Mr Hawke remains Labor's longest- Coalition at the Federal Election, returning to power serving and Australia's third-longest-serving with an increased majority. Prime Minister.
26 May – A new Cabinet line-up was unveiled with 1&2 July– His Excellency General the most key portfolios unchanged, with some new Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) sworn-in faces introduced into the Cabinet, blending as the 27th Governor-General of the experience and fresh talent. Key highlights include Commonwealth of Australia. Subsequently, the the first Indigenous minister and a record of seven 46th Parliament of Australia was opened on 2 July (7) women in the Cabinet. 2019. Page 18 VISIT TRULY ASIA MALAYSIA 2020
Visit Malaysia 2020 brings out the best of what Malaysia has to offer to the world in a single, event-packed year. The year 2020 holds a special place in the heart of all Malaysians as we reflect and celebrate all our successes and challenges in transforming a once colonial land, into a thriving, multi-cultural and dynamic country. Visit Malaysia 2020 is targeting to achieve 30 million international tourist arrivals and RM100 billion tourist receipts. The focus of the campaign is on ecotourism, arts and culture.
The Logo
Campaign efforts: Partnership between Tourism Malaysia and private sector corporations (Sharp (M) Electronics Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia Airlines, Design Elements AirAsia, Firefly, Malindo Air and Malaysia The style of the logo is inspired by Malaysian Batik. The Airports Holdings Berhad) to implement magnificent rhinoceros hornbill is perched on the left marketing and promotional activities utilizing side of the logo. The iconic bird illustrates the unique their local and international media platforms. fauna and eco-adventures that Malaysia has to offer. A RM5 million fund called GAMELAN Malaysia red hibiscus adorns the top right of the logo. The has been made available to provide financial hibiscus known as “bunga raya”, encapsulates the support to Malaysian tourism industry players celebration of cultural diversity in Malaysia. The wild fern who organize marketing and promotional known as “paku pakis” is a favourite edible plant among activities to promote Malaysia as a business Malaysians of all races, and is apt to represent the and leisure destination. unique flavours of Malaysian cuisine. Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad have partnered with various Colours international airlines such as Condor Air, Air The main colours blue, red and yellow used in the logo Arabia and Busan Air to enhance air represent the colors of the national flag, Jalur Gemilang. connectivity and bring in more passengers into The orange colour illustrates the year-round sunshine Malaysia. Malaysia receives. Lastly, the green colour represents Visa on Arrival facilities have been expanded the abundance of nature in Malaysia. The brilliance of to 13 entry points in Malaysia, ensuring a these colours is eye-catching, and invites the onlooker to hassle-free entry for China and India nationals, take a closer look. two of the fastest growing outbound tourist markets in the world.