Malaysian Community In Qatar Celebrate 68Th National Day

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Embassy of Malaysia in Qatar, in collaboration with the Malaysian community, hosted a special National Day and Hari Malaysia celebration titled 'Malam Aspirasi Merdeka'.
The event brought together more than 350 Malaysians living in Qatar, including professionals, their families, and members of the business and media communities.
Attendees, dressed in their national attire, sang the national anthem and pledged the Rukun Negara, Malaysia's national principles, at the start of the event.
In his keynote address, Faizal Razali, Malaysian ambassador to Qatar, highlighted the significance of the year's national theme, 'Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni'' (Malaysia Madani: A Nation that Cares for Its People).
The envoy also noted Malaysia's current chairmanship of Asean and the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026. He encouraged all Malaysians in Qatar to remain united and uphold the nation's reputation through excellence, integrity, and mutual respect, as their actions abroad reflect the country's image.
The event showcased the diverse Malaysian community and its rich cultural heritage. Guests enjoyed traditional Malaysian cuisine and a video presentation on Malaysia's progress and diversity.
The celebration featured various cultural and patriotic performances by Malaysian community groups.
Kompang, a traditional Malay frame drum performance was presented by Kelab Kompang Qatar. This group instrument is typically played at weddings, cultural shows, and official events.
Joget, a folk dance performed by Irama group, is known for its spirited, graceful movements and playful interactions between dancers.
A medley of Inang and Zapin dances were performed by Permata Tari group. The Inang is an elegant court dance, while the Zapin is a rhythmic folk dance with intricate footwork, influenced by Arab traders.
Dikir Barat, traditional performance by Kelab Kebudayaan Al Khor, featured a group of people who sing and chant rhythmic verses in unison, often in a call-and-response format.
Sumazau, a traditional dance of the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people of Sabah, was performed by Tunas Bayu group. The dance, a symbol of unity and thanksgiving, features graceful arm movements that mimic a bird's flight.
Pang5 Dukhan, a cultural group, demonstrated Silat, Malaysia's national martial art.
The ambassador also invited Dareen al-Bayya, a young Palestinian orphan from Gaza, and her brother, Kinan, to the celebration. The siblings miraculously survived an Israeli airstrike in 2024 that killed nearly 70 members of their family. Seriously injured and in a coma for two weeks, Dareen was rescued and brought to Doha by the Qatari Government for medical care. At the event, the envoy presented the siblings with contributions from the prime minister of Malaysia.
The celebration not only strengthened the connection among the 6,202 Malaysians residing in Qatar, but also reinforced the values of patriotism, solidarity, and pride in their nation's accomplishments, a statement added.

MENAFN25092025000067011011ID1110113668