The Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia organised a special two-hour river cruise along the Mekong River recently to celebrate this year’s National Day with a difference, for Malaysians residing in the country.
The boat named ‘Bahtera Merdeka’ was proudly festooned with scores of Jalur Gemilang, including a gigantic one measuring 18 metres long, and everyone on board did the rallying cry of ‘Merdeka’ seven times.
When contacted by Bernama, the Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, said the event was aimed at celebrating National Day in a unique way instead of having it at the embassy on Aug 31 as usual.
“Every year we celebrate National Day at the embassy on Aug 31, by hoisting the Malaysian flag, singing Negaraku, with speeches, prayers and refreshments.
“But I thought we should celebrate it throughout the month instead of just on the day. I happened to be listening to Merdeka songs and heard ‘Bahtera Merdeka’, and it occurred to me why not get a real boat and invite all the Malaysians residing here,” he said.
Eldeen Husaini said after discussing the matter and doing some research, a two-tier boat with a 150-passenger capacity was rented from the Bopha Port in Phnom Penh.
“While taking in the scenery of Phnom Penh along the banks of the river, our Malaysian guests were serenaded with patriotic songs by a group of musicians. There were rallying cries of ‘Merdeka’ and waving of the Jalur Gemilang, and Malaysian food was served.
“The event gave me the opportunity to remind the Malaysians on board to appreciate the peace Malaysia enjoys now and to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters,” he said.
Eldeen Husaini said there are approximately 5,000 Malaysians residing in Cambodia, mostly working in sectors such as banking, infrastructure, telecommunication and restaurants, and more than 500 Malaysian companies in operation there.
Meanwhile, Tan Twu Yang, 43, who was very excited to be on the river cruise, said he was proud of the Malaysian Ambassador’s creativity in providing a distinctive National Day experience for Malaysian citizens abroad.
“It was a very unique celebration held onboard a boat while singing patriotic songs. The locals also got to see the huge Malaysian flag on our boat, billowing proudly along the Mekong River.
“They witnessed our display of patriotism and nationalism and it also reminded me that whatever our differences Malaysians stay together and celebrate Merdeka together,” said Tan, who has been working in Cambodia for about 10 years.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
