More Than 100 Malaysians In Jakarta Celebrate National Day

By Azeman Ariffin JAKARTA, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- More than 100 Malaysians and their families in Jakarta turned out for a flag-raising ceremony held in conjunction with Malaysia's National Day, in the compound of the Malaysian Embassy in Kuningan here Monday. The ceremony began at 7am with the singing of 'Negara Ku' (national anthem) while the national flag was being raised, followed by the singing of 'Satu Malaysia' (One Malaysia). Malaysia's Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Hasnudin Hamzah represented the Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zahrain Mohamed Hashim in leading the National Day celebration. Also present at the ceremony was the ambassador's wife, Che Mahani Ismail. In his speech, Hasnudin said Malaysia, as the host of ASEAN had succeeded in bringing ASEAN to another level in realising the ASEAN Community concept. "Malaysia will be declaring the establishment of the ASEAN Community soon and this is a success of ASEAN countries to unite the people of various ASEAN countries," he said. He said Malaysia would enhance cooperation in political, economic and social relations with ASEAN countries, and the creation of an ASEAN community was a success which should make Malaysians proud. An afternoon tea in conjunction with the National Day celebration to entertain guests and embassy representatives will be held at a hotel on Saturday. Zahrain, who was not present at this morning's ceremony, was indisposed at a private hospital in Jakarta. -- BERNAMA