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Speech by Amb. Dato’ S. Thanarajasingam, Ambassador of Malaysia to France
Chinese New Year Lunch, Sunday, 1 February 2009, NamSan Korean Restaurant
                                                                                                                                                        

Master of Ceremony,
Mr. Tye, President of MAF
Amb. Datuk Kenneth Luis
All Heads of Agencies
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Gong Xi Fa Cai and a very good afternoon.

First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Tye Soon Kwai and members of the Malaysia Association of France for hosting and organizing this Chinese New Year Lunch, which has now become a traditional annual event. Though it may be a Chinese New Year celebration, the fact that all races have convened at one place to celebrate this joyous occasion truly reflects Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society which lives harmoniously, despite the occasional stresses and strains evident in many similar societies.

According to the Chinese calendar, this year would be the Year of the Ox. The Ox is thought to be the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. It is just as well that the Year of the Ox coincides with the economic and other uncertainties predicted for the year ahead. Given such a scenario, it is most important that we are all inspired by the traits of the ox, which is to work hard in order to achieve our goals whatever it may be.

As all of you are aware, the year 2009 is expected to be a tough year, marked by a deep and steep recession. The pandemic is worldwide. The financial crisis originating from the US has triggered the global recession which has affected developed and developing countries alike. Malaysia being a trading nation, ranking 18th in the world, would definitely see its economy affected. And for those of you who seek your livelihood here in France, France would not be spared from the recession as well. Unemployment will rise as growth contracts.

However, in every crisis there are opportunities as there are always 2 sides to a coin. Therefore, I strongly urge all of you to continue to work hard and exploit all opportunities that so that we will be well placed for better times which is bound to follow this recession.

Back in Malaysia, the government and the people have begun making the necessary adjustments to the economic climate. Pressures of inflation have abated, with prices of commodities having decreased since its peak mid last year. However, the current primary concern relates to economic growth and employment. What I would like to assure you is that the Government is determined to do all that it can to mitigate the impact and undertake various measures, both fiscal and monetary to promote and sustain the growth trajectory.

In April, Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib is expected to take over the reins as Prime Minister. He faces daunting challenges and all Malaysians should work with him in advancing our common goals for growth, prosperity, peace and solidarity.

The year 2009 also witnessed a terrible humanitarian catastrophe as the conflict in Gaza saw over a thousand civilians including women and children killed. Malaysia for its part had strongly condemned the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Israelis on the Palestinians. Israel did not spare the civilians, nor even the UN facilities.

The immediate focus is to sustain the fragile ceasefire so as to allow humanitarian aid to reach the victims in Gaza; and for work to begin immediately for the rebuilding of Gaza. For this, I would like to remind all of you that the Malaysian Foreign Ministry welcomes donations from Malaysians for the Gaza Fund coordinated by Wisma Putra. Of Course, there are other avenues within Malaysia to contribute as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Lastly, I would like to commend all of you for being a role model for Malaysians. I would like to encourage us all to continue to be good citizens of integrity, industry and promoting friendship among our people as well as with the French.

Saradha and I would like to again wish all of you a Happy Chinese New Year. May the Year of the Ox usher in peace, prosperity and good health.

Thank you.

Embassy of Malaysia
Paris