V O L . 2 / 2 0 1 8 : J U L Y - D E C E M B E R P A G E 1

H E L L O In this edition:

Page R E A D E R S ! 02 Main Highlights

2018 has come to an end and 04 Bilateral Engagements

indeed it has been an eventful and 09 Engagement with memorable year. 13 Outreach and Public Diplomacy

The Second Edition of the High 15 PERWAKILAN Canberra Commission's Newsletter will 16 ASEAN Committee Canberra provide a glimpse of some of the activities organised by the High 18 Farewell and Congrats!

Commission throughout July to 20 Biographies YB FM and YB DFM December 2018. 22 Visit Sarawak 2019

Enjoy reading it and the High Commission would like to wish all a Contact us:

T: (02) 6120 0300 / 310 H A P P Y N E W Y E A R http://mw.kln.gov.my/web/ 2 0 1 9 ! aus_canberra/home [email protected]

. [email protected] P A G E 2 MAIN HIGHLIGHTS

YAB Tun Dr. and the Honourable Prime Minister Scott Morrison met on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on 15 November 2018. Both leaders had a productive exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

YB Dato' and YB Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah and the Minister then Minister of Foreign Affairs of of Foreign Affairs of Australia the Honourable Australia, the Honourable Julie Bishop Marise Payne had a meeting on the sidelines had fruitful discussions when the latter of the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on undertook a Working Visit to 19 October 2018. from 31 July to 2 August 2018.

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NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION 2018

RUMAH MALAYSIA 6 SEPTEMBER 2018 The 61st National Day Rec eption was held at Rumah Malaysia on 6 September 2018. It was attended by approximately 300 guests. Ms. Lyndall Sachs, Chief of Protocol presented the toast on behalf of the Australian Government.

High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha highlighted the main areas of cooperation in Malaysia-Australia relations and developments in Malaysia in her speech.

The guests were treated to Malaysian delicacies such as rendang, satay, nasi lemak and kuih-muih, prepared by the ladies of the High Commission. P A G E 4 BILATERAL ENGAGEMENTS

2 0 1 9 N C P S C H O L A R S

The High Commission congratulates 3 Scholars who will be leaving for Malaysia in 2019 under the New Colombo Plan programme. On 27 October 2018, the High Commission in collaboration with Education Malaysia Sydney (EMA) conducted a special briefing on Malaysia followed by lunch at a Malaysian restaurant.

M O B I L E O F F I C E P R O G R A M

The Immigration Office in Australia organised a Mobile Office Program in Brisbane on 9 and 10 August 2018 and in Sydney on 27 and 28 August 2018.

The yearly program, initiated since 2013, aimed to assist Malaysians with regard to Passport application and renewal registration of birth and Emergency Certificate (special cases) for Malaysians residing in Australia. P A G E 5

VISITS TO CANBERRA

WORKING VISIT BY YB SPEAKER OF THE , 17-21 SEPTEMBER 2018

YB Dato' Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) led a nine- member delegation on a Working Visit to Australia from 17 to 21 September 2018. The visit aimed to share experiences and best practices with their counterparts in the Australian Parliament on good governance, parliamentary practice and parliamentary oversight.

The Speaker and members of the delegation also had an informal session with the Malaysian community in Canberra at Rumah Malaysia. The session provided the opportunity for engagement and dialogue between the Speaker and members of the Malaysian community on developments in Malaysia. P A G E 6

OFFICIAL VISIT BY YB SENATOR LIEW WORKING VISIT BY YBHG. GENERAL CHIN TONG, DEPUTY MINISTER OF TAN SRI DATO' SRI ZULKIPLE BIN HJ DEFENCE, 9-13 OCTOBER 2018 KASSIM, CHIEF OF ARMY, 26-28 AUGUST 2018 Muhibbah CNY

The visit was hosted by the Australian Army in Australian National University appreciation of YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato' Sri Zulkiple's contribution to the strengthening of Malaysia-Australia defence relations.

WORKING VISIT B Y YBHG. TAN SRI DATO' SRI MOHAMA D FUZI BIN HARUN , INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE, 25-29 SEPTEMBER 2018

At the invitation from his Australian counterpart, YB Senator , Deputy Minister of Defence made an Official Visit to Canberra, Australia from 9 to 13 October 2018.

During his visit, YB Senator Liew Chin Tong had a roundtable discussion with the

Department of Defence of Australia and paid YBhg. Tan Sri Dato' Sri Mohamad Fuzi during his respects to the fallen soldiers at the his Working Visit from 25 to 29 September Australia War Memorial. He also attended the 2019 met with the Australian security agencies 2018 Malaysia Update at the Australian including the Australian Federal Police. He also National University. visited the National Police Memorial.

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STUDY VISIT BY MINISTRY OF URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT OF SARAWAK, 6-11 AUGUST 2018 Muhibbah CNY

YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan, Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak and Second Minister of Urban and Natural Resources of Sarawak led a 22-member delegation to Brisbane and Goldcoast from 6 to 11 August 2018. The visit was to learn about Australia's legislation and best practices on the management of strata development and properties. Guest Speaker at the Australian National University (ANU)

STUDY VISIT BY THE PUBLIC ACCOUNT COMMITTEE (PAC) OF Australian National University SARAWAK, 19-24 SEPTEMBER 2018

YB Aidil bin Lariwoo, Chairman of PAC Sarawak led the delegation to Canberra and Sydney from 19 to 24 September 2018 to learn from Australia's PAC on its administrative structure and procedures at Federal and State level.

STUDY VISIT BY THE ELECTORAL REFORM COMMITTEE (ERC), 2-8 DECEMBER 2018

YB Tan Sri Abdul Rashid, Chairman of ERC led the delegation on a Study Visit to Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra from 2 to 8 December 2018.

The objective of the visit was to look at the election system in Australia as one of the models in Malaysia's electoral reform.

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H.E. Hellen Barber Gdeu leas Vt eSgpae, aker at the Australian National UniverMsri.t Tyh (oAmNaUs )Albrecht, Ambassador of the Philippines to H.E. Mr. Jurij Rifelj, UNHCR Regional Representative Ambassador of Slovenia to Australia Australia Courtesy Calls on High Commissione r Dato' Sudha Devi

Delegation from Education Malaysia Global Services Ms. Azlina Aziz, YB Tan Sri Abdul Rashid, JPA Attaché in New Zealand Chairman of ERC P A G E 9 ENGAGEMENT WITH MALAYSIANS

M E E T & G R E E T M A S C A Muhibbah CNY

Organised by the Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (MASCA) ACT on 28 July 2018, the event provided the opportunity for the students to engage with High Commissioner Dato' Sudha and other officers from the High Commission. F A R E W E L L H I - T E A

High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha hosted a farewell hi-tea for defence personnel who completed their military course in Canberra. The informal meeting provided the opportunity for the officers to engage and share their overall experiences in Canberra with the High Commissioner.

G R O U N D - B R E A K I N G S A P P H I R E B Y T H E G A R D E N

High Commissioner Dato’ Sudha attended the Ground-Breaking Ceremony of an iconic property project in the Melbourne CBD by Malaysian developer SP Setia, "The Sapphire by the Gardens" on 15 October 2018. The ceremony was officiated by Lord Mayor Sally Capp. P A G E 1 0

M U H I B B A H H A R I R A Y A

Muhibbah CNY

A Muhibbah Hari Raya Gathering was held on 14 July 2018 at Dewan Merdeka with the Malaysian diaspora in Canberra. Also in attendance were officials from the Australian National University Sydney Consulate Office. Around 300 Malaysians came to meet and enjoy Raya delicacies like ketupat palas, rendang, nasi minyak, lontong and kuih raya in a festive atmosphere. They also brought various types of dishes as part of the ‘bring a plate’ event.

M A L A Y S I A P I C N I C 2 0 1 8 Australia Running Festival

The Malaysia Picnic 2018 was held on Saturday, 17 November 2018, at Weston Park. Attended by nearly 250 Malaysians from around Canberra, the picnic provided an opportunity for all Malaysians to spend time with family and friends and share delicious Malaysian food.

P A G E 1 1 Merdeka!!

Muhibbah CNY

The High Commission commemorated the 61st Anniversary of Hari Merdeka on 30 August 2018. The event began with the flag raising A M B A N G and the singing of Negaraku. The kids were M E R D E K A entertained with fun activities to reinforce the spirit and significance of Merdeka. At the end of the programme, patriotic songs were sung followed by the reading of Rukun Negara.

Australia Running Festival

High Commissioner Dato' Sudha M E R D E K A attended the Merdeka Gala Dinner in G A L A D I N N E R Adelaide on 26 August 2018. The Three top Malaysian students in dinner is an annual event organised by South Australia were recognised by the Australian-Malaysia Business the AMBC and award the Merdeka Council (AMBC) since 1999. Its Awards for 2018. Congratulations to objective is to celebrate Merdeka and all of them! provide a platform for Malaysian and Australian business leaders to network. P A G E 1 2

In conjunction with Hari Sukan Negara, the High Commission organised several sports activities on 12 October 2018 which was participated by at least 50 members comprising members of the High Commission Club (MHC) and families, defence staff and students. YB Senator Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Defence joined in the event. YB Senator was on an Official Visit to Canberra from 9 to 13 October 2018.

Guest Speaker at the Australian National University (ANU)

With the theme ‘Jom Turun Padang’, the event started with a 3km brisk walk around the High Commission’s vicinity followed with Zumba and a Karate demonstration. YB Senator Liew Chin Tong later presented certificates of appreciation to the futsal team which emerged as First Runner-Up in the Hyatt Embassy Futsal 2018 Cup.

Healthy array of food such as Nasi Ayam and whole-meal sandwiches were served at the end of the event. P A G E 1 3

OUTREACH AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

A panel discussion on, “Madam P A N E L O N Ambassador: Women, Leadership and " M A D A M Diplomacy,” was held at theM Nautihonibal bah CNY Library of Australia, Canberra on 27 A M B A S S A D O R : August 2018 in support of the Australian Women’s Archives Project. High Women, Leadership and Diplomacy" Commissioner Dato’ Sudha who was one of the panelists spoke on policies, KLN's conscious effort to include women in decision-making positions, challenges and the overall Malaysian experience. The other panelist was H.E. Erica Schouten, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The session was moderated by the Honourable Penelope Wensley AC, former Governor of Queensland and Australian diplomat.

2 0 1 8 M A L A Y S I A F E S T I V A L

Australia Running Festival The annual Malaysian Festival was held on 1 and 2 September 2018 at Tumbalong Park, Sydney, Australia. The Malaysian Festival, a non-profit event organised by Malaysian students, is dedicated to sharing the wonders and joys of Malaysian culture and cuisine.

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The programme aimed to inspire and empower G I R L S young women to explore new leadership frontiers and broaden relationships with the R U N T H E diplomatic community. On 24 October 2018, two W O R L D participants, Miss Ji Woo Ahn and Miss Sarah Conner had the opportunity to mMeeut Hhigihb bah CNY Commissioner Dato’ Sudha who shared her experiences and challenges in her career as a woman diplomat. The girls were then given the opportunity to immerse and engage in real-time practical activities, such as dealing with consular cases, analysing news articles and creating a presentation on Malaysian culture and way of life.

Australian NatPioUnaBlL UInCiv ersity S C H O O L B R I E F I N G

On 20 November 2018, 90 students of Year 3 and 4 from Berinba Public School, Yass, visited the High Commission to learn about Malaysia's culture and tradition, as part of their school curriculum.

ThiAs vuissitt prraolviidae dR aunn innvianlugab Flee osptpiovrtaulnity for the students to appreciate Malaysia-Australia links, intercultural understanding, influences in trade, tourism, and education. The students were excited and looked forward to visit Malaysia to experience the beauty and cultural richness of the country.

P A G E 1 5 PERWAKILAN CANBERRA

Lawatan Muhibbah ke rumah Muhibbah Hari Raya, Lawatan Pameran ‘So that You Puan Siti Sadiah, 14 July 2018 Might Know Each Other‘, 11 July 2018 22 July 2018

National Day Reception, 6 September 2018

Farewell Dinner for Cherry Picking at Young, New Morning Coffee at Puan Farhana, South Wales, Puan Saadah's house, 19 November 2018 8 December 2018 15 December 2018 P A G E 1 6

ASEAN CANBERRA COMMITTEE (ACC)

Australian National University

ASEAN DAY RECEPTION, 13 AUGUST 2018 ASEAN Day Reception to commemorate the 51st Anniversary of ASEAN was held at Dewan Merdeka on 13 August 2018. The memorable event was graced by the Honourable Senator Concetta Fierravanti Wells, then Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Around 300 guests comprising Members of Parliament, Government Officials, Heads of Mission, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the business community attended this reception.

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ASEAN BOWLING TOURNAMENT, ASEAN FAMILY DAY, 5 AUGUST 2018 24 NOVEMBER 2018

Muhibbah CNY

MEETING BETWEEN ACC HEADS OF MISSION AND FOREIGN MINISTER MARISE PAYNE, 17 SEPTEMBER 2018

It is M alaysia's turn! On 13 December 2018, the ACC Chairmanship was handed Aouvesrt troa Mliaala yRsuia nfonr tihneg fi rFste hsatlfi vofa 2l019.

High Commissioner Dato' Sudha in her remarks congratulated the Embassy of the Lao PDR for its successful ACC Chairmanship and looked forward to the support and cooperation from ACC HoM, ACC Working Group and ASEAN Missions during the next six months of Malaysia's Chairmanship. P A G E 1 8 Weg bidoodbyes.. Congrats!!

Muhibbah CNY Ms. Marilyn Gracik, retired as Chief Clerk in July 2018, after 36 years in service with the High Commission since Ms. Nur Atiqa Md Akim completed the 1982. International Graduate Program (IGP) 2018. Organised by DFAT Australia, the IGP aims to develop the professional skills and knowledge of junior diplomats.

Australian National University

Corporal Najib Razak and Puan Farhana after serving in Canberra since 2014.

Ms. Cigi Surrao, Officer Cadet Syafiq Zahid completed the Royal Military Information Officer since College Duntroon General Service Commissioning 2014 and moved on for a Course on 11 December 2018. The 18 months course new job opportunity. Good comprises academic module and military field luck and all the best Cigi! exercises in various Military Training Area around Australia RunniAnusgtr aFliae.s tival Then we say Our new hello!! Chief Clerk

Ms. Ng Ji Lian who joined us on 19 November 2018 Mr. Harin Widjanarko was as Consular Clerk. promoted as Chief Clerk on 19 November 2018. P A G E 1 9 We Made it!

We are so proud of the High Commission's Futsal Team which emerged as First Runner Up, competing against the Palestinian team in the Hyatt Embassy Futsal Cup 2018. It was the first time for our team to compete as finalist since 2015. Congratulations and Go Malaysia!!

Year End Gathering

The High Commission held a Year-End Gathering on 21 December 2018 for the HBS and LRS. Everyone had a good time playing 'Laser Tag'. This was followed with a dinner and we also bid farewell to Ms. Cigi Surrao on her last day at the High Commission. We will definitely miss you, Cigi! Biography

YB DATO' SAIFUDDIN ABDULLAH FOREIGN MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, Member of Parliament for Indera Mahkota and Chief Secretary of (Alliance of Hope). Previously, he served as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Member of UMNO Supreme Council, CEO of the Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMM), and Director (Strategic and Social Development) of Institut Darul Ehsan.

Saifuddin is a progressive politician who advocates New Politics, youth empowerment and social entrepreneurship, also actively promoting debate and basketball. During his tenure as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, he restarted the Speakers Corner and amended the University and University College Act to allow student involvement in politics – both of which were restricted since 1975 and was openly critical of the Administration’s policies on freedom, human rights and racism.

Saifuddin has also served as the President of the Malaysian Youth Council, a Member of the United Nations Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Youth Employment, a Consultant of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and Joint-Secretary of Bosnia Action Front. He was also a passionate student activist.

He has published eight books, the latest of which being New Politics 2.0: Multiracial and Moderate Malaysian Democracy (2017). He is also a columnist at Sinar Harian and The Edge Malaysia.

Born in 1961, Saifuddin studied at The Malay College Kuala Kangsar and received a BA (Hons) from Universiti Malaya. He is married to Norlin Shamsul Bahri and they have a daughter, Nur Madihah. Biography

YB SENATOR DATO’ MARZUKI YAHYA DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

Senator Marzuki Yahya is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senator of . He was appointed on 17 July 2018.

Dato’ Marzuki Yahya is a founding member of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PBBM) which was established on 7 September 2016. He is a member of the Supreme Leadership Council of PPBM and the Chief for PBBM. His active involvement in politics started when he was appointed as Treasurer for UMNO Youth Bagan Division from 1998 to 2001 and later as UMNO Youth Exco Malaysia for the term 2004- 2008 while holding the post of UMNO Youth Chief for Bagan Division.

Dato’ Marzuki Yahya built his career in the shipping industry for almost thirty years and worked his way up to the post of a Director, at a shipping company in Penang, a post he held since 1999 until his recent appointment. With passion for the industry, he is currently the Vice President of the Stevedore Employer Association (SEA) and a member of the North Malaysia Shipping Association.

Dato’ Marzuki was born in 1970 and holds a Degree in Business Administration. He is married to Zalinda binti Mat Zin and has three children. VISIT SARAWAK YEAR 2019 “Sarawak, More to Discover,” is the tagline used this year in promoting this Borneo state to the world. Visit Sarawak 2019 aims to promote Sarawak as the destination that offers a plethora of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals to all visitors. Cultu re Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, is home to 27 ethnic groups. With 45 different dialects, each group has their own unique stories, beliefs, traditions and cultures.

Nature Sarawak has a whopping 56 totally protected areas, 37 gazetted national parks, 5 wildlife sanctuaries and 14 nature reserves. Its rainforests are the size of Austria. Sarawak also has the most number of Important Birding Areas (IBAs) in Malaysia, with a great portion of Borneo’s 650 bird species having been recorded here. Food Sarawak’s very long list of unique culinary offerings is unparalleled. From the delectable “manok pansuh,” chicken cooked in bamboo, to the savoury “Sarawak laksa,” to the delicious “kolo mee,” to the mouthwateringly crispy jungle fern “midin” dish, to the herby broth known as “kueh chap” and the rich “manok kacangma” made from motherwort and rice wine and many more. It is a must try when you are in Sarawak!

Getting to Sarawak

Kuching International Airport (KIA), Sarawak’s largest airport, receives domestic flights from Peninsula Malaysia and the neighbouring state of Sabah as well as international flights. If you are in Australia and intend to visit Sarawak, there are connecting flights available from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. So do check out travel fare promotions to visit Sarawak from time to time to get the best deal!