Gala reception to commemorate Malaysia’s National Day

The event at Sofitel Phokeethra Phnom Penh brought together significant individuals to celebrate, including ambassadors from various countries, high-level ministry officials, government representatives, and the Malaysian diaspora in the Kingdom.

The guest of honour was Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, who delivered a keynote address on bilateral ties.

On the sidelines of the reception, there were more than 20 booths to showcase various types of Malaysian products and services with samples handed out to visitors.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Shaharuddin Onn, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia, welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude amid the celebration of Malaysia’s Hari Merdeka (which fell on August 31), stating, “I am very humble and happy to see your Excellencies and all the distinguished guests to commemorate Malaysia’s National Day Reception.”

In his remarks, Ambassador Shaharuddin also expressed his excitement and pleasure to witness first-hand the growth of both countries’ relations from all aspects, including government-to-government, business-to-business, and people-to-people ties.

Malaysian Ambassador Shaharuddin Onn speaks at the grand reception to commemorate Malaysia’s National Day at Sofitel Phokeethra Phnom Penh on Wednesday evening. 

Following its independence from Britain on August 31, 1957, Malaysia established diplomatic relations with Cambodia, which had gained freedom from French colonial rule just three years earlier.

“Malaysia and Cambodia have always and since then been very good and close friends,” said the ambassador. “I truly believe that relationships and friendships among the two countries are very possible to be strengthened through time.”

He added that the frequent high-level exchange visits between Malaysia and Cambodia are a clear reflection of the enduring and unchangeable relations between the two countries.

In March last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made his first official visit to Cambodia, which was expected to breathe fresh impetus into the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Responding to the invitation of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Prime Minister Hun Manet, this February paid an official visit to Malaysia, where a bilateral meeting was held to discuss diverse dimensions of cooperation, including political security, trade and investment, tourism, labour, the halal food industry, ICT and digital technology, and energy security, aligning with the reciprocal interests of both nations.

Nimul, during her remarks, extended her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for happiness and prosperity to the government and the people of Malaysia.

Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul takes a closer look at one of the booths showcasing Malaysian cashew nuts.

She added that Malaysia’s National Day is not just about the independence gained but also the spirit of unity and resilience.

She noted Malaysia’s economic development, inclusivity, and social harmony through its richness in cultural heritage and diversity.

Nimul also touched on the remarkable ongoing growth in terms of relations between Cambodia and Malaysia, saying, “The bond between the two countries has grown remarkably over the years, rooted in mutual respects, shared history, and the commitment to prosperity and respect in the region.”

She noted that the event is not only to celebrate Malaysia’s progress but also to the friendship between Cambodia and Malaysia.

“We celebrate not only Malaysia’s progress but also the friendships between our people, which continue to evolve,” she said.

“Over the years, collaboration has continued to grow, including in politics, trade, investment, tourism, and education, as well as people-to-people connectivity,” Nimul added. “The economic relations have seen a positive growth in trade years over years; I believe that it will continue to flourish amid the uncertainty and economic setbacks that we’re experiencing globally.”

Between 1969 and 1975, Malaysia maintained a diplomatic presence in Cambodia at the charge d’affaires level, with its Ambassador in Beijing also accredited to Phnom Penh.

The Embassy of Malaysia was closed in 1975 after the Khmer Rouge regime took over Phnom Penh but reopened on November 26, 1991, following the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on October 23, 1991. Notably, Malaysian businesspeople were among the first to engage in business in Cambodia after the Kingdom regained peace.

With a long history of diplomatic relations, recent years have seen ties between Cambodia and Malaysia reach an all-time high, driven by the vigorous activities and initiatives of governments, citizens, and business communities.