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02/09                                                                   01 February 2009

PRESS RELEASE 

MALAYSIANS IN PARIS CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE OX 

Neither the global economic downturn nor the chilly weather dampened the spirit of Malaysians in Paris from celebrating a joyous Chinese New Year. Over 150 people attended the celebration of the Year of the Ox hosted by the Malaysian Association in France (MAF) at a Korean restaurant in Paris on Sunday, 1st February 2009.

Officiated by the Malaysian Ambassador to France, H.E. Dato’ S. Thanarajasingam and wife Datin Dr. Saradha Iyer, the exciting and colourful celebration lunch brought joy and laughter to the Malaysian community together with their family and friends. Also present at the event were officers and staff of the Embassy and Malaysian agencies in Paris. 

In his welcoming address to the Malaysians present, H.E. Dato’ S. Thanarajasingam congratulated MAF for organising the Chinese New Year  celebration which had become an annual event amongst Malaysians in France. On the economic crisis, H.E. Ambassador said that even if the Year of the Ox coincided with economic and other uncertainties, he reminded Malaysians to be inspired by the animal’s hard-working traits in order to achieve their goals.

Malaysians should continue to work hard and exploit all opportunities so as to be well placed for better times, which were bound to follow this recession, he added.

 H.E. Ambassador also briefed Malaysians on the economic climate and current development in Malaysia including measures of the government to mitigate the impacts of the current global economic crisis. (The text of the speech is as attached).

 The highlights of the Chinese New Year celebration were the “Yee Sang” followed by a delicious meal of Malaysian specialities such as roti canai, rendang, chicken curry and curry puffs  cooked by the Perwakilan ladies. Other than an authentic Korean meal served by the restaurant,  the guests were also thrilled to taste Chinese New Year delights such as the “linkoh” (sticky cake) and the “fatkoh” (prosperity cake) prepared by MAF members.

The finale of the event was a lucky draw offering many attractive prizes including an air ticket to Kuala Lumpur contributed by Malaysia Airlines, a three-night stay for two at a 5-star hotel in Langkawi as well as dinner for two at KL Towers. 

The Chinese New Year celebration hosted by MAF, which brought all races together at one place,  indeed reflected Malaysia’s multi-cultural society living in harmony.

Embassy of Malaysia
Paris.
01 February 2009