ISLAMABAD: The Malaysian High Commission organised a flag-raising ceremony on the occasion of the 65th National Day of Malaysia on Wednesday.

The ceremony was led by the acting high commissioner, Deddy Faisal bin Ahmad Salleh, and attended by all home-based staff of the high commission and Malaysian citizens residing in the capital.

The ceremony began with the singing of the Malaysian national anthem ‘Negaraku’ and the raising of Jalur Gemilang - the name given to the Malaysian flag - followed by the recitation of Rukun Negara by Immigration Attache Sharmanrizal bin Rustam. First Secretary Nor Hazwan bin Mohd Hisham then led the recitation of the prayers.

In his speech, Deddy Faisal bin Ahmad Salleh said the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Pakistan had been established since their independence in 1957.

The former prime minister, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, was among the distinguished guests who were present during the Proclamation of Independence at the Merdeka Stadium on August 31, 1957 while a member of the Reid Commission who drafted the Malaysian Constitution was Justice Abdul Hamid, who was then the judge of the High Court of Pakistan.

“Pakistan is also one of the earliest countries to recognise our independence. This strong relationship will continue to remain close and brotherly as we will always need each other at all times,” Deddy Faisal said.

The simple but meaningful ceremony concluded with all guests joining the singing of patriotic song ‘Warisan’ led by Third Secretary Nor Azuan bin Haji Ayub.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2022