Malaysians In UAE Celebrate Agong's Birthday

By Muin Abdul Majid

ABU DHABI, June 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysians working and residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took advantage of a bright and breezy Friday to celebrate the birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

The event at the Malaysian embassy here was initially scheduled to be held last week but was postponed as the UAE had been observing a mourning period following the death of Sheikh Nasser bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a helicopter crash.

Sheikh Nasser was the brother of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Playing the perfect host was Fadli Adilah, the mission's first secretary and head of chancery. The ambassador's post is currently vacant.

Also present were Malaysian consul-general in Dubai, Syed Mohd Hasrin Tengku Hussin, as well as officials from Malaysian agencies based in the UAE.

Many of the ladies who had gathered at the embassy looked elegant in their `baju kurung' and `kebaya' with matching headscarves and `selendang' while the men looked smart in `baju Melayu' and `songkok' as well as batik.

The event kicked off with the singing of the national anthem "Negara Ku" after which Fadli delivered a brief speech in which he stressed on the need for Malaysians to remain united.

He also alluded to the speech by Tuanku Mizan in conjunction with the King's birthday celebrations, urging Malaysians to be patient and prudent in facing food and fuel price increases.

A lucky draw was also held with the grand prize being a Kuala Lumpur-Dubai return ticket courtesy of Malaysia Airlines.

-- BERNAMA

Photos by Affandy M Shaari