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VOL 2/2019 - JULY - DECEMBER

IN THIS EDITION:

Main Highlights 1

Visits to Canberra 5

Outreach & Engagements 8 Courtesy Calls 12

Activities at Mission 13

ASEAN Committee Canberra 15

PERWAKILAN Canberra 17 Working Visit by YB Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs to Australia Congratulations 19 29 November - YB Dato’ Strategic Partnership and Saifuddin Abdullah, discussed various pertinent News in Australia 20 Minister of Foreign Affairs issues in bilateral relations made a Working Visit to and current regional and Policy in 21 Australia to attend the 2nd global developments. Both Australia-Malaysia Foreign Foreign Ministers also Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) signed an Agreement on Contact Us: in Sydney. Film Co-Production. A The FMM, co-chaired by Joint Statement highlighting A: 7 Perth Avenue, Senator the Hon. Marise the outcome of the Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Payne, Minister for Foreign Meeting, was issued:- T: (02) 6120 0300 / 310 Affairs and Minister for ((https://www.kln.gov.my/ Women and YB Dato’ web/guest/-/joint- E: [email protected] Saifuddin Abdullah, statement-2nd-australia- [email protected] reviewed the progress of malaysia-annual-foreign- W: http://www.kln.gov.my/web the 2015 Australia-Malaysia ministers-meeting-29- /aus_canberra Joint Declaration of november-2019) 2

During the joint Press Conference, Minister Payne announced Malaysia as the 2020 focus country for Australia’s flagship public diplomacy programme “Australia now”. The program is a celebration of Australia delivered annually in a country or region of strategic significance. The year-long program, emphasising closer partnership and exchange will celebrate existing vibrant bilateral partnerships and strengthen connections between the people, places and institutions of both countries.

Apart from the 2nd FMM, YB Dato’ Saifuddin also held a roundtable at the Lowy Institute on the topic: "Negotiating a new era of superpower rivalry in Asia: In the context of the Foreign Policy Framework of the New Malaysia" followed by an interview, which was published in theinterpreter (https://www.lowyinstitute.org/t he-interpreter/conversation- malaysias-foreign-minister- great-power-rivalry). He also had an engagement session with students and the Malaysian diaspora in Sydney.

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National Day Reception 19 September - More than 300 guests attended the 62nd National Day Reception held at Rumah Malaysia. Ms. Kate Logan, Chief of Protocol presented the official toast on behalf of the Australian Government. In her speech, H.E. Dato’ Sudha Devi highlighted developments in Malaysia as well as the main areas of cooperation in Malaysia- Australia relations. Guests enjoyed Malaysian delicacies such as rendang, satay, nasi minyak and a variety of traditional Malaysian kuih-muih prepared by PERWAKILAN Canberra. 4

19 October - The doors of the High Commission were opened to the public from 10 am to 4 pm. In promoting Visit Malaysia 2020, the theme for the event was ‘Jendela Malaysia: A peek into vibrant Malaysia’. The highlights of the event were Perarakan Bersanding and traditional dance and silat. The fun-filled day included an exhibition on Malaysia’s history and traditional crafts, demonstration of ketupat Windows to the World is an weaving as well as event organised by the ACT activities for children – Government to promote the colouring (batik), games unique and diverse culture of such as batu seremban foreign countries through the and congkak. Various participation of Embassies and sumptuous Malaysian High Commissions in Canberra. food was also on sale, The event has been held every including the king of fruits alternate year since 2013, in - Musang King. conjunction with the annual Floriade Festival held in the

month of October.

5 VISITS TO C ANBERRA

18th Australia-Malaysia Joint Trade Committee Meeting & Trade and Investment Mission

18-23 August - The 18th Australia-Malaysia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting and the Trade and Investment Mission to Adelaide and Melbourne was led by YB Minister of International Trade & Industry, Datuk Darell Leiking. The JTC discussed a wide range of topics from bilateral trade and investment to opportunities for future collaboration. The Trade Mission to Adelaide and Melbourne provided the delegation a platform for business networking and exposure to Australian investors.

22nd Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering Annual Meeting

18-23 August - The Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering is an inter-governmental organisation that is focused on ensuring effective implementation of the international standards by its 41 Member Countries against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing related to weapons of mass destruction. Since its establishment in 1997, the APG has grown considerably and is part of a global network of similar bodies, referred to as Financial Action Task Force-Style Regional Bodies.

This year, the APG on Money Laundering held its meeting in Canberra. Malaysia was represented by representatives from various agencies related to the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) to Money Laundering such as BNM, Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC), Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNKK), Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Registry of Societies (ROS), Securities Commission (SC), Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) and Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA).

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Working Visit by YB Dato’ Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, Deputy Minister of Primary Industries

26-28 August - YB Dato' Seri Shamsul's visit to Canberra was at the invitation of the Australian National University (ANU), to deliver a speech on ‘Reform in Malaysia’s Primary Industries under the new Government’ on 27 August 2019. He also had an interview with New Mandala, an ANU publication on current Southeast Asian affairs. A session with Malaysian students and diaspora was also held in the evening of 27 August, where YB Dato’ Seri Shamsul held a dialogue on the Government’s initiative on the palm oil campaign and current political developments under the PH Government. A total of 20 students were also appointed as Palm Oil Ambassadors to assist in creating greater awareness among their student peers on the efforts by Malaysia’s palm oil industry in countering the misperception on palm oil.

2nd Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation

25 September - YB Mohamad bin Sabu, Minister of Defence led an eight-member delegation, which included Chief of Defence Force, General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Panglima Haji Zulkifli Haji Zainal Abidin to the 2nd Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation in Canberra. The one-day visit programme included briefings on cyber security at the Australian Cyber Security Centre; Ceremonial Honour Guard; informal session with military cadets and seconded officers; and a visit to the Australia’s War Memorial where both ministers as well as the Chief Defence Forces laid wreaths during the Last Post Ceremony. The Joint Statement issued after the meeting can be accessed at :- (https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/lreynolds/st atements/malaysia-australia-joint-statement-defence- cooperation) 7

Working Visit by YB Senator Khairul Azwan Harun and YB Senator Adrian Lasimbang

26 August - The visit by both Senators was part of a Working Visit as members of the Malaysian Senate Reform Committee. The programme in Canberra involved several meetings with officials at the Parliament House. In addition, YB Senator Azwan was also invited by the Australian National University (ANU) to speak on the challenges and opportunities facing UMNO as an Opposition Party.

Working Visit by the delegation from Public Service Department

8-11 December - YBhg. Dato’ Suhaime Mahbar, Deputy Director General, Public Service Department led a delegation on a benchmarking visit to study Australia's experience in developing its public service law. The delegation had meetings with the Australian Public Service Commission and Department of Finance. HBS of the High Commission also took the opportunity to engage with YBhg. Dato’ Suhaime Mahbar at the Chancery in the morning of 9 December 2019.

Working Visit by the Native Courts of

10-13 December - A delegation from the Native Courts of Sarawak was in Canberra to study and gather information on the Australian legal system in the recognition and interest of native/indigenous culture, traditions and customary rights particularly on land matters. The delegation also learned about the management of indigenous courts within the Australian legal system, known as the Koori Courts. 8 OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENTS

National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2019

8 July - High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha Devi attended an opening of the NAIDOC week hosted by Secretary Frances Adamson at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on 8 July 2019. The highlight at the reception was the musical performance by Gawurra Gaykamangu, a Yolngu professional performing artist hailing from North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Guests were also entertained by a special performance by Torres Strait Islander dance troupes, native artists Kara Buia and Eip Karem Beizam during the opening ceremony.

MASCA Meet and Greet

5 August - A meet and greet event organised by Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (MASCA) ACT was held on 5 August 2019 at the Australian National University (ANU). It was attended by officials from the High Commission and Malaysian students studying at ANU. The event aimed to introduce MASCA to Malaysian students, especially new arrivals to Australia.

Ambang Merdeka

30 August - The annual Ambang Merdeka event was held at Dewan Merdeka on the eve of 30 August to commemorate the 62nd Anniversary of Independence. Members of the Malaysian community observed the raising of the Jalur Gemilang and sang Negaraku. The kids were entertained with fun activities to reinforce the spirit of patriotism and significance of Merdeka. At the end of the programme, patriotic songs were sung followed by the reading of Rukun Negara. 9

Malaysia Festival 2019

21 September - Held at Tumbalong Park, Sydney, the annual event had special guests performing, among others, Malaysia 2018 Larissa Ping who performed a traditional Sarawakian dance, Warisan Telang Usan. Besides that, several other traditional performances such as silat, Indian dance, and Wushu were showcased to the crowd. The two-day programme also showcased Malaysian delicacies such as satay, nasi lemak, kuih- muih and also durian. Several Malaysian entrepreneurs also took the opportunity to promote Malaysian snacks and food products as part of their marketing initiative.

Engagement with Master students from UiTM Seri Iskandar

24 September - The High Commission welcomed and held an engagement session with a group of MBA students from UITM Seri Iskandar, Perak. They were on an academic trip to Sydney and Canberra from 22 to 28 September 2019.

Engagement with students from International Relations Society, ANU

3 October - Members of the International Relations Society, Australian National University (ANU) made a visit to the High Commission as part of their study programme to learn more about diplomacy and international relations and the role of the High Commission.

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Malaysia-Australia Business Forum

30 October - High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha Devi officiated at the Malaysia-Australia Business Forum, organised by the Consulate General in Perth in collaboration with the Australia-Malaysia Business Chamber (AMBC) WA. Attended by 110 businessmen and potential investors, the event included business presentations, panel discussion on business and investment opportunities in Malaysia. High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha also met and held discussions with the Hon. Peter Tinley AM MLA, Minister for Housing; Veterans Issues; Youth; Asian Engagement of Western Australia and the Hon. Bill Johnston MLA, Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Industrial Relations. She concluded her visit with a get-together session with the committee members of the Malaysian Students’ Organizations in Western Australia.

Pre-departure briefing for University of Canberra students

14 November - First Secretary Sharifah Fariheen and Ms Kartini Tajul Urus from Education Malaysia gave a briefing to the University of Canberra students, who will be leaving for Malaysia in early January 2020 for a six-week internship programme at various companies and organisations. The internship is part of a joint collaboration between University of Canberra and Kolej Damansara Utama (KDU).

Remembrance Day

11 November - High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha attended the Remembrance Day held at the Australian War Memorial, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) delivered the Commemorative address, where he highlighted the service and sacrifice of soldiers for the nation, and his appreciation in remembrance of those men. The ceremony also includes a formal wreath laying. 11

Year End Picnic

17 November - Held at Lennox Garden and attended by nearly 250 Malaysians from around Canberra, the picnic provided an opportunity for all Malaysians to get-together and spend time with family and friends and share delicious Malaysian food. Children were entertained with various group games and given goodie bags. A friendly game of tug-of-war further made the day more exciting and memorable.

Girls Run The World Programme

20 November - The programme aims to inspire and empower young women to explore new leadership frontiers and broaden relationships with the diplomatic community. Two participants, Miss Ayah Suhaib and Miss Kate Keir had the opportunity to meet High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha who shared her thoughts on current developments in the world as well as her experience and challenges in her career as a diplomat. The girls were then given the opportunity to immerse and engage in real-time practical activities and research on Malaysia’s foreign policy and tourism promotions.

Briefing for New Colombo Plan Scholars

26 November - The High Commission, in collaboration with Education Malaysia Sydney (EMA), conducted a special briefing for six (6) New Colombo Plan Scholars who will be leaving for Malaysia in 2019 under the New Colombo Plan programme. Congratulations to all of them and all the best! 12 COURTESY CALLS

3 July - Mr. Anthony 8 August - Mr. Gregory 14 August - Senator Lisa Singh Albanese, Leader of the Laurence Moriarty, Secretary Australian Labor Party of Defence

17 October - YBhg. Laksamana 30 October - the Hon. Peter 30 October - the Hon. Bill Maritim Dato' Mohd Zubil bin Mat Tinsley AM MLA, Minister for Johnston MLA, Minister for Som, Director General of Malaysian Housing; Veterans Issues; Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Maritime Enforcement Agency Youth; Asian Engagement of Industrial Relations of Western Western Australia Australia

23 November - Mr. John Teres from 2 December - YBhg. Laksamana Tan Newman Events PTY Limited and Mr. Sri Mohd Reza Mohd Sany, Chief of Brendan Smyth, Commissioner for Navy International Engagement ACT

13 ACTIVITIES AT MISSION

The High Commission held various activities throughout the second half of the year, from meetings to sporting activities as well as religious events. All these events further strengthened the camaraderie not only among the HBS & LRS at the High Commission, but also with the Malaysian diaspora and students in Canberra. Activities at a glance

26 July - SPKM 2/2019 11 August- Eid Al-Adha with Malaysian diaspora

12 August- Distribution of meats in conjunction 31 August - Awal Muharram with Eid Al-Adha

30 August- Quran Hour 10 November - Maulidur Rasul 14

Bulan Sukan Negara

23 & 30 October - In conjunction with Bulan Sukan Negara, the High Commission held two sporting activities in October, involving all the officers, local staff and family members.

The first sporting activity was held on 23 October 2019. The programme started with a warming up and stretching session, followed by aerobic and a 5km brisk-walking at a park nearby. The second activity, on 30 October 2019, was held indoor where participants enjoyed playing ping pong and darts.

Gotong Royong

13 December - The High Commission Malaysia Club (HCMC) organised a gotong-royong at the High Commission and its compound. All staff took part in the gotong-royong which helped in strengthening teamwork and relations amongst personnel. At the end of the programme, the staff gathered at the High Commission's garden for a satay barbeque.

Year-end Gathering

20 December - To celebrate the end of 2019, officers and staff gathered at Bowling Zone, Tuggeranong for two games of bowling. This was followed by a delicious dinner at Little Istanbul. Excitement was in the air as they exchanged Secret Santa presents. ASEAN COMMITTEE IN 15

CANBERR A (ACC)

ASEAN Day Reception 13 August - In commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN, the ASEAN Committee in Canberra (ACC) hosted the ASEAN Day Reception at Albert Hall, Canberra.

The memorable event was graced by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency Mrs. Linda Hurley. Around 300 guests comprising Members of Parliament, government officials, Heads of Mission and members of the diplomatic corps and members of the business community attended the reception.

Governor General Hurley exchanged toasts with Ambassador Tha Aung Nyun of Myanmar, Chairman of the ACC. In their remarks, both sides highlighted the significance of ASEAN and the strong relations between ASEAN and Australia. Mr. and Mrs Hurley were treated to traditional ASEAN delicacies. Malaysia served nasi lemak and various traditional kuih-muih such as kuih bahulu, kole kacang and ondeh-ondeh. 16 ACC ACTI VITIES ACC HoMs Meeting with the Hon. Ben Morton, ASEAN Family Bowling Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet

5 August - The annual bowling tournament was held at Zone Bowling, Tuggeranong. The 16 October - The meeting with the Hon. Ben Philippines' team emerged as champions, Morton, Assistant Minister to the Prime followed by Laos. Minister and Cabinet was part of ACC’s ASEAN Family Day continued engagement with key decision makers in Australia.

ACC HoMs Meeting with the Hon. Scott Morrison,

Prime Minister of Australia

23 November - The annual family day brought together personnel and families of ASEAN Missions in Canberra for a social 2 December - ACC HoMs called on PM Scott Morrison at gathering and end-of-year celebration. With Parliament House, as part of the ACC’s continued various fun activities, all enjoyed a morning engagement with top decision makers. Also present at the picnic and shared their cuisine. Malaysia meeting were Senator the Hon. Marise Payne, Minister for showcased and shared the delicious laksa Foreign Affairs and Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, johor and teh tarik. A friendly game of tug- Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. The of-war capped off the morning event. engagement session provided an avenue for the HoMs to discuss matters on ASEAN-Australia relations. They also discussed pertinent issues that ASEAN and Australia can work together in achieving common goals in the region.

ACC Chairmanship Handover

17 December - Congratulations outgoing Chair Myanmar and best wishes to the Philippines as the

new Chair of the Committee.

17 PERWAKILAN CANBERRA

Snippets of activities from July to December 2019:

12 July & 17 August - Kelas Ketatanegaraan for young Malaysian children

14 July - Muhibah Visit - 27 July - Nuffa Qadeeja, 18 August - Eid Al-adha Puan Shafizawati, new newborn of Puan Norafzan Immigration Attache Jemburi

30 August - Preparing for Ambang Merdeka 18 PERWAKILA N activities

7 September - Bowling 19 September - National Day Reception Tournament

19 October - Windows to the World 10 November - Maulidur Rasul 17 November - Year-End Picnic

23 November - ASEAN Family Day 28 November - Visiting Mr. Roslan 7 December - Yassin Recitation at bin Rajab, spouse to Ms. Hapsah Ms. Rusniza's residence Mustapha 19 CONGRATULA TIONS!

Capital Football Diplomatic Cup 2019

17 July - 10 August 2019 - Congratulations to the Malaysian team for participating in the competitive Cup. Sudan emerged as the Champion in the competition, while Malaysia won three (3) out of the six (6) games and secured fifth (5) place. Congratulations to our team! Keep up the hard work and spirit of camaraderie and try again next year.

International Graduate Programme 2019 23 October - Congratulations to Mr. Mohd Faidz Sanusi, Senior Principal Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia for completing the International Graduate Program (IGP) 2019.

The IGP aims to develop the professional skills and knowledge of junior diplomats as well as develop strong and enduring personal and professional links between participants. In addition to the training in Canberra, participants travelled to a State to improve their understanding of contemporary Australian foreign, trade and aid policies within a regional context.

Australian Regular Army Officer Commissioning Course (ARA OCC)

11 December - Congratulations to SCDT Khabilavarman a/l P. Nadaraja for completing the Australian Regular Army Officer Commissioning Course (ARA OCC). All the best in your future endeavours! NEWS IN A USTRALIA

Bushfires in Australia

Bushfires in Australia are meteorically diverse common, impact extensive continent, experiences areas, and can cause property many types of bushfires. damage and loss of human Common causes of life. It is generally defined as bushfires include uncontrolled, non-structural lightning, arson, fires burning in a accidental ignition in the grass, scrub, bush, or forested course of agricultural area. Australia, being a clearing, campfires and geographically and cigarettes drop.

Bushfire Survival Plan

Discuss what to do if a bushfire threatens The High Commission your home The hot summer season this year has further expresses solidarity escalated and spread with the victims and Prepare your home and get it ready for the bushfire, with areas those affected by the bush fire season most affected in New bushfires and recognises South Wales and South the bravery and efforts Australia. of those fighting the While cases of death fires. Know the bushfire alert levels have been minimised, damage to property continues to rise. As of 24 Keep all the bushfire information December 2019, there numbers, websites and the smartphone were 873 home, 68 app - 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737) / facilities and 2,048 rfs.nfw.gov.au outbuildings destroyed. 21 POLICY IN MA LAYSIA