PHNOM PENH: On Saturday, 8 October, Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, celebrated 'Hari Keluarga Malaysia' (Malaysian Family Day) at the Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh, with over 400 guests in attendance, including a number of Malaysian, Cambodian and foreign dignitaries.
The day featured traditional dance performances, an array of Malaysian cuisine, a fashion show, face painting for children and several different booths selling items and featuring different activities.
“I really enjoyed myself, and I hope everyone who came to the event enjoyed themselves too,” said Ambassador Datuk Eldeen, while reflecting on the day during an interview with EAC News. “We had a lot of events and a variety of people came, I am very happy.”
The Ambassador also remarked on the close relationship he has with other Ambassadors in Cambodia, some of whom he said he even refers to as his ‘brother’ or ‘sister,’ and said that he was very happy that so many came to celebrate this special day.
“We always practice this brotherhood among the Ambassadors, [especially] with the [family] brand we carry [at the Malaysian Embassy]… we try to extend this to all the Ambassadors, so we call our fellow Ambassadors brothers and sisters,” he said.
In the midst of all the dancing and celebrations, the Senior Minister of Islamic Affairs, Oknha Datuk Dr Othsman Hassan, said he was glad to be attending this event and was also very pleased with the relationship between the Malaysian and Cambodian communities, especially the Muslim communities of both countries.
“Today I’m happy to come and join together with the Malaysian people,” said the Senior Minister. “I’m happy, because [between] Malaysia and Cambodia, it is also about the Muslim community here. I’m also Malay Champa, so we are like close brothers with Malaysia."
Several Ambassadors to Cambodia also expressed similar sentiments of happiness and said they had a close relationship with the Malaysian Ambassador.
“This is a great honor and privilege to the Ambassador of Malaysia, His Excellency is my good friend,” said the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Ermenegildo Kupa Lopaes. “I would like to express my gratitude and congratulate the Ambassador and people of Malaysia.”
The Ambassador of the United States, W. Patrick Murphy, said “It’s wonderful to be here. The Ambassador has invited us to attend [this] family day, and we are delighted to celebrate Malaysia’s national day.”
“The United States and Malaysia have a very good close relationship and ASEAN is very important to the United States, so we are delighted to be here and to support the Ambassador,” he further added.
The Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam, Pengiran Kasmirhan bin Pengiran Haji Tahir, remarked “I’m always happy to get invited because this [event] basically showcases what Malaysians are really about.… It’s a good time for me to mingle with friends and establish new friendships and to enjoy Malaysian delicacies.”
A few Ambassadors also positively remarked on being stationed in Cambodia.
“Cambodia is an extraordinary place, especially Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen,” said the Ambassador of Timor-Leste, Ermenegildo Kupa Lopaes. “This is my first mission in Cambodia, I’m so lucky and proud. Cambodian people are very friendly.”
“I’ve actually been Brunei’s Ambassador to Cambodia for the last eight years,” said Ambassador Pengiran Kasmirhan bin Pengiran Haji Tahir. “I have loved it here, it is such a friendly country and we have a very close relationship with the country, being part of ASEAN. We’re basically a family.”
Overall, it was a fantastic day at the Malaysian Embassy, full of entertainment and delicious food for all families and guests to enjoy.
