Uphold the good name of Malaysia in Indonesia, says King

JAKARTA: Malaysians living in Indonesia have been advised to uphold the good name and image of the country by practising noble values and respect for the law and local culture, said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

In giving the advice, His Majesty said the role should be played by them as mini ambassadors of Malaysia in a foreign country.

“It is our responsibility as Malaysians to continue promoting cordial and strong relations with the local community even though challenges in bilateral relations between the two countries crop up from time to time,” he said at a dinner with Malaysians here yesterday.

The King added that the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia was well-known and special as it was tied to various aspects such as history, religion, culture, race and language.

“I'm proud that the friendship between the two countries is at an excellent level with close cooperation in various fields at various levels from national leaders and MPs to NGOs and civil society,” he said.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah have been on a four-day state visit to Indonesia since Monday to strengthen relations between Malaysia and Indonesia.

In his message to Malaysians in Indonesia, the King said his visit was also to deliver the country's appreciation and thanks to the Indonesian government for providing opportunities to Malaysian individuals and companies to invest and contribute to the economic development of the republic.

He said examples of Malaysian companies investing in Indonesia were Maybank, CIMB, Petronas, Tabung Haji and Sime Darby.

“I believe the investment of these companies in Indonesia will prosper and benefit both parties.

“I am also very proud of the Malaysian professionals, entrepreneurs in the private sector as well as 5,000 students in assisting to promote the image of Malaysia not only in Indonesia but also in the eyes of the world,” said the King.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also called on Malaysians in Indonesia to always display undivided loyalty to the country and not to take lightly the peace enjoyed by Malaysia now.

“Peace is the biggest asset Malaysians of all strata should be grateful for, irrespective of where you may be.

“As Malaysians who love their homeland, any threat on peace in the country should be completely eradicated,” he said.

His Majesty hoped the cooperation and strong relations, as reflected by the Malaysia Club Jakarta with the Malaysian Ambassador in Indonesia in implementing the aspirations of the country, would be in line with the call of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak towards strengthening the mutual prosperity of the two countries. - Bernama