Around 250 Malaysian expatriates and diplomatic officials gathered at the residence of Malaysian Consul-General Yubazlan Yusof for the occasion.
Published: Fri 31 Aug 2018, 6:43 PM
Updated: Fri 31 Aug 2018, 8:49 PM
In the spirit of Malaysia Baru or New Malaysia, expats in Dubai celebrated their country's 61st Independence Day on Friday with strong patriotic fervour.
Around 250 Malaysian expatriates and diplomatic officials gathered at the residence of Malaysian Consul-General Yubazlan Yusof in Al Barsha for the occasion. They came in their traditional festive attires, representing their ethnic backgrounds and showcasing the multiculturalism among Malaysians, and chanted 'Selamat Menyambut Hari Kebangsaan ke-61' (Happy 61st Independence Day Malaysia).
"We are celebrating the spirit of Malaysia Baru," Yusof told Khaleej Times. "In our past celebrations, only the Malaysian government was in charge of organising the event but this year we have involved the entire Malaysian expat community. They helped in planning for the event and also brought different Malaysian food and regional delicacies.
"The essence of our celebration is instilling the spirit of patriotism and unity in our people for the well-being of our nation (Malaysia). This year's Independence Day celebration is also anchored on our theme, 'Sayangi Malaysiaku' which means Love My Malaysia," Yusof added.
Yusof explained that 'Sayangi Malaysiaku' is based on the principles of patriotism, public order, national security and unity of the people.
"Sayangi Malaysiaku' means Malaysians who come from various races and ethnicities live in diversity, harmony and unity," he added.
Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia consisting of 13 states and three federal territories. Before its independence, the country was a group of Malay kingdoms that came under Portuguese rule in 1511, Dutch in 1641, and the British empire in 1800s. The country declared independence and formed the Federation of Malaya on August 31, 1957.
There are around 7,000 Malaysian expats in the UAE, with 4,000 of them who live and work in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, according to the Malaysian Consulate.
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UAE leaders greet King of Malaysia
The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has sent a cable of congratulations to Sultan Muhammad V, King of Malaysia, on his country's National Day.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, dispatched similar cables of greetings on the occasion. - Wam
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