Homeland in the heart: Malaysians boarding ‘Bahtera Merdeka’ for the river cruise in Phnom Penh. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Instead of the usual National Day “makan-makan” at the Malaysian Embassy in Cambodia this year, Tan Twu Yang was pleasantly surprised when the Malaysian mission decided to celebrate it with a boat cruise.
“It was a very unique celebration held on board a boat while we sang patriotic songs.
“The local Cambodians also got to see the huge Malaysian flag on our boat, billowing proudly along the Mekong river,” said the 43-year-old Malaysian who has been working in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh for the past 10 years.
Tan and a large group of fellow Malaysians went on a two-hour river cruise organised by the embassy along the Mekong river which runs through the city.
“They witnessed our display of patriotism and nationalism and it also reminded me that whatever our differences, Malaysians stay together and celebrate National Day together,” added Tan.
When contacted by Bernama, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim said the river cruise was aimed at celebrating National Day in a unique way.
“Every year we celebrate National Day at the embassy on Aug 31, by hoisting the Malaysian flag, singing Negaraku, with speeches, prayers and refreshments.
“But I thought we should celebrate it throughout the month instead of just on the day.
“I happened to be listening to patriotic songs and heard ‘Bahtera Merdeka’, and it occurred to me why not get a real boat and invite all the Malaysians residing here to a cruise,” he said.
Eldeen Husaini said that after discussing the matter and doing some research, a two-deck boat with 150-passenger capacity was rented from the Bopha Port in Phnom Penh.
The boat, named Bahtera Merdeka, was festooned with scores of Jalur Gemilang, including a gigantic one measuring 18m long.
“While taking in the scenery of Phnom Penh along the banks of the river, our Malaysian guests were serenaded with patriotic songs by a group of musicians,” he said.
There were rallying cries of “Merdeka” and waving of the Jalur Gemilang, and Malaysian food was served.
There are about 5,000 Malaysians residing in Cambodia, mostly working in the banking, infrastructure, telecommunications and food and beverage sectors.
There are also more than 500 Malaysian companies operating in the country.
