The US Marine Corps presenting the flags during the reception. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
A UNIQUE parallel was drawn between the United States-Malaysia partnership and a plate of our beloved nasi kerabu during the celebration of the US Independence Day.
US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan, in his address, noted the dish’s red, white and blue hues along with its variety of ingredients and spice as a perfect metaphor for the sometimes “spicy” relationship between both nations.
“Beyond the ties between the United States and Malaysia, one of my favourite things is the food.
“If you look at a plate of nasi kerabu, you’ll see some red, some white and some blue.
“I think that reflects the partnership between our countries: there’s variety and a little bit of spice.
“There are times when the relationship of both countries is a little spicier than we’d like, but it also makes it interesting and it means that when we work together it is so valuable and means so much to us,” he said at the event earlier this week by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the 249th anniversary of US independence.
The celebration at St Regis Hotel Kuala Lumpur was attended by members of the Malaysian government, foreign heads of mission and business leaders from both the US and local companies.
Kagan (right), with Amir Hamzah on stage, making a toast at the US Independence Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur.
The US Independence Day falls on July 4.
Guest-of-honour Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan was welcomed by Kagan, before being escorted to the stage by US Marine Corps personnel.
They then toasted to the prosperity and enduring ties between both governments and countries.
This was followed by the playing of the national anthems Negaraku and The Star-Spangled Banner.
Kagan expressed gratitude to his embassy colleagues and the hotel for making the event a success.
“Recently, I’ve had the great pleasure of working together with Malaysian colleagues on the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire.
“I just want to say that it’s been so wonderful seeing the tremendous professionalism of our Malaysian friends as we worked together to try and deal with a real problem,” he added.
Also present at the celebration were Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, the embassy’s deputy chief of mission David Gamble, Amir Hamzah’s wife Datin Seri Aidah Abu and Kagan’s wife Cynthia L. Gire.
Guests enjoyed performances by Orkestra Kuala Lumpur from Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Also featured at the event was a spread of American food, with regional favourites such as roast chicken with Cajun sauce, deep-fried cod fish and chips as well as a selection of desserts.
