KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian community in Hungary celebrated Malaysia's 67th National Day and 61st Malaysia Day with a vibrant and patriotic gathering at the Malaysian embassy in Budapest.
In a statement, the Malaysian embassy in Budapest said the event, which was held on Aug 31 (Saturday), featured a flag-hoisting ceremony that served as a powerful reminder of Malaysia's rich history and the value of independence and sovereignty.
The ceremony began with the raising of the Malaysian flag, the "Jalur Gemilang”, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku.
The air was filled with emotion as the attendees, numbering around 200 Malaysians residing in Hungary, reflected on the significance of the occasion and the progress their nation has made since independence.
In his address, the ambassador of Malaysia to Hungary, Francisco Munis, underscored the importance of understanding and cherishing the principles of independence and sovereignty that have shaped Malaysia's journey as a nation.
He highlighted how these values have brought freedom, harmony and progress to Malaysia, urging the community to uphold the unity that has been essential to the country's prosperity.
"Malaysian unity is crucial for the continued peace and prosperity of our nation," said Francisco, who also encouraged Malaysians living in Hungary to respect local laws and traditions, emphasising the importance of harmonious coexistence in their host country.
The celebration continued with a luncheon hosted by the embassy, where attendees enjoyed a variety of traditional Malaysian dishes.
The gathering provided a moment of connection for the Malaysian community, allowing them to celebrate their shared heritage and reaffirm their national identity.
Meanwhile, in Geneva, Switzerland, a similar sense of patriotic pride was on display as Malaysians gathered at Rumah Malaysia for a flag-raising ceremony.
The event, led by Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Datuk Nadzirah Osman, was highlighted by a spirited performance of the song Tanggal 31 by the children of the staff from the Permanent Mission of Malaysia.
The performance rekindled the patriotic spirit among those in attendance, reinforcing the emotional ties to their homeland.
In her welcoming remarks, Nadzirah emphasised this year’s National Day theme, "Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka”, calling for the fostering of a strong patriotic spirit among all Malaysians, regardless of their location.
"Even though we are far from home, today’s symbolic ceremony should strengthen our national identity, enhance our patriotic spirit, and foster closer ties among us."
She encouraged Malaysians abroad, including those in Switzerland, to play an active role in promoting Malaysia’s image on the international stage.
Nadzirah urged the community to bring back the positive experiences and knowledge they gained abroad to contribute to Malaysia’s ongoing development.
The celebration in Geneva concluded with a high tea reception, where attendees had the opportunity to reconnect and savour Malaysian delicacies.
The event served not only as a celebration of Malaysia’s National Day but also as a symbol of unity for the Malaysian diaspora, reinforcing the bonds of national identity that transcend borders. - Bernama
