6/08                                                                                                  7 June 2008

MALAYSIAN ‘FAMILY DAY’  IN PARIS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF DYMM SPB YANG DI PERTUAN AGONG ON SATURDAY, 7 JUNE 2008

Malaysians in France once again showed the spirit of unity and solidarity when they recently participated in the ‘Family Day 2008” at the Moulin Sports Centre in Gif-sur-Yvette in the suburb of Paris, on Saturday, 7 June 2008.

The event, held on the occasion of the birthday of DYMM SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong, was organised by the Embassy of Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysian agencies in Paris and the Malaysian Association in France (MAF).  The objective of the Family Day was to foster and enhance stronger relationship among Malaysians in France as well as to instil positive family values and healthy living, as reflected in the array of activities arranged during the event.

The event kicked off with the singing of the national anthem, “Negara Ku” and two patriotic songs namely “Jalur Gemilang” and “Wawasan 2020” by the 200 guests comprising of the Mayor of Gif-sur-Yvette, Mr. Michel Bournat; staff of the Embassy; officials from the Malaysian agencies in Paris; MAF members; fellow Malaysians and their families as well as Malaysian students studying in and around Paris. The Jalur Gemilang was proudly flown at the sports centre.  

H.E. Dato’ S. Thanarajasingam, Ambassador of Malaysia to France and Portugal, officiated the event with an opening speech followed by a cake cutting ceremony,  lunch as well as various games and activities. 

In his speech, H.E. Dato’ S. Thanarajasingam recalled the speech made by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday celebration particularly on the rise in food prices resulting from the fuel price hike. His Majesty had urged Malaysians to exercise patience and prudence in facing the rise and suggested Malaysians to change their lifestyle in order  to help reduce the impact of the rise on them. H.E. Dato’ S. Thanarajasingam further in his speech called on Malaysians to stay united especially being overseas to uphold the good name of Malaysia not only in France but also elsewhere. (The text of His Excellency’s speech is as attached). click here to read the speech

It was a truly family affair at the event as the participants with their family members participated in the various outdoor activities. The variety of games for children of all ages such as “Balloon Bursting”, “Bonbon Collector” and “I wonder where my shoes are!”  produced acacophony of squeals and giggles among the children and parents. The children also demonstrated their creativity and intelligence in the colouring, drawing and Sudoku competition organized by MAF. Screams of excitement could also be heard during the series of challenging games for the adults such as “Treasure Hunt”, “Water Balloon Throw”, “Three legged Race with Egg in the Spoon” and “Blind Man’s Race”.

A barbeque of Malaysia’s traditional ‘satay’ and other picnic favourites such as ‘Nasi goreng’ and ‘kuih ketayap berinti’ were generously prepared by the Ladies Association (Perwakilan) and were distributed tothe joy of everyone present. Some MAF members had also brought along desserts and fruits to supplement the lunch packet.  

The event ended on a high note, with families leaving with not only prizes and presents but with smiles on their faces.

Embassy of Malaysia
Paris
7 June 2008