Speech by His Excellency Dato’ S. Thanarajasingam at the Farewell Luncheon hosted by
The Malaysian Association in France (MAF), Sunday, 17 January 2010, Le Chalet de Neuilly, Paris
______________________________________________________________________

Mr. Tye Soon Kwai
President of MAF

Ms. Phebe Perrin
Vice-President of MAF

Capt. Ismail Abdullah
Defence Attache and my Representative to MAF

Distinguished Members of the Malaysian Association in France

Tuan-Tuan dan Puan-Puan

Saudara dan Saudari

Selamat tengahari and  Bonjour.

Thank you Tye for those kind words.

First of all, Saradha and I wish to take this oppurtunity to thank Mr. Tye and members of MAF for organizing and hosting this farewell lunch for us. We are deeply honoured by this gesture.

We are particularly touched and truly humbled that all of you have braved this wintery weather on a Sunday afternoon to spend your precious time and money to be with us today.

Your presence today has infact added to the rich tapestry of our memorable three and half years sojourn in France.  And it was truly memorable for the right reasons. I could list down everything which had made our stay here memorable, but it would be one too many.

We will fondly recall all of you as you have been model citizens, helping us and the Embassy in upholding the good name and image of Malaysia.

It is with your support that Malaysia-France relations have been elevated to new heights. Malaysia-France relations have never been this close and good before. Indeed the French are keen to develop strategic partnership with Malaysia, a decision welcomed by our Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak.

The last three and half years have been full of highlights- we celebrated 50 years of independence and 50 years of establishment of Malaysia-France relations; we established for the first time two Honorary consulates in France; there was tremendous increase in French tourist flows to Malaysia, with a 35 per cent increase last year alone; there was a 100 per cent increase in Malaysian students with 436 students currently studying here and the first Malaysian submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman set sail last year with the second one KD Tun Abdul Razak to sail this year for home.

The crown in the jewel of our stay was the first official visit of YAB Prime Minister last October since he took office early last year. It was a historic visit, I would like to thank MAF again in ensuring that Malaysians in France attended the 1Malaysia Hari Raya Open House, the first to be hosted by YAB Prime Minister outside Malaysia. About 1000 guests attended the reception at Pavillion Dauphine, making it the largest Malaysian reception ever to be held in France.

MAF, under Mr. Tye’s leadership has always readily and happily extended its full cooperation to the Embassy in assisting us to organize various other events including annual events such as Family Day to commemorate H.M Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday, National Day Reception, Hari Raya and Chinese New Year gatherings.

MAF has also assisted the Embassy in taking care of stranded Malaysians.

For these activities and assistance, I wish to place on record my heartfelt appreciation to MAF and its leadership for their cooperation and support.

It is my hope that MAF will continue to be service-oriented and remain a focal point for Malaysians in France. Its website is a useful tool to keep Malaysians informed. I am sure that all of you are aware of the Haitian tragedy and how internet and mobile phones have significantly contributed towards information dissemination, especially in connecting missing persons during man-made or natural calamities.

Today, I wish to challenge Malaysians and our friends here to set up a genuine Malaysian restaurant here in France to not only promote Malaysian cuisine but become a point where Malaysians can informally meet. I have worked with some of you and others in getting this project off the ground and I do hope that the next time when (and if) I visit Paris, there is a Malaysian restaurant.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Malaysia continues to face many challenges. The Malaysian Government under the leadership of YAB Prime Minister is confidently endeavouring to address these challenges by taking appropriate decisions and measures. The Prime Minister spoke to all of us last October about 1Malaysia and his efforts to introduce a new economic model. He is determined to promote social harmony and deepen the pillars of our multi-racial and multi-religious society.

I look forward to all of us playing our part, however small or big, in continuing to work together as a team or even individually so that our country will continue to be blessed with peace, security and prosperity.

Finally, Saradha and I wish all of you success in your undertakings. May you all continue to enjoy good health, happiness and prosperity.

Thank you.