Malaysia Explorer

The Malaysian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City showcased Malaysia’s tourism appeal at a gala event in coordination with the Malaysian Tourism Board Friday.

The Malaysia Truly Asia Gala Dinner aimed to introduce Malaysian food and culture as well as promote the cross-cultural understanding between Malaysia and Vietnam, organizers said.

The event highlighted Malaysian art, fashion and dance as appealing tourism draws to the Southeast Asian country.

Performances included a runway show of the batik collection from renowned designer Bill Keith, which was presented by local models.

A folk-dance concert by the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) Cultural Group displayed traditional Malaysian culture.

Organizers from the Windsor Plaza Hotel in District 5, where the event was held, said three chefs from different Malaysian states prepared the food for the Gala Dinner.

The event concluded with the announcement of lucky draw winners who took home a three-day trip for two to Kuala Lumpur.

source : http://www.google.com/news?

The weekend’s events are being seen in the light of political developments in the country and for many almost a repeat of 1998 that was a shocking breach in Malaysian political culture and something many never wish to revisit.

TEN years ago Malaysia erupted, as a high-level political face-off between two men and their supporters deteriorated into vile and grubby moral lynching.

On hindsight, it’s hard not to conclude that the victors – ironically – ended up being more compromised and damaged than the victim, who later emerged from prison as a hero.

If indeed there is a conspiracy afoot with last weekend’s dramatic series of events, this all-important lesson from 1998 appears not to have been learnt.

Last weekend’s events, whatever their truth, cannot be separated from what transpired 10 years ago. We will inevitably compare and contrast the two sets of events – looking for parallels, differences and of course clues as to how the respective scandals or frame-ups (it’s one or the other depending on who you believe) unfold.

Because of this we will be dealing with a similar set of issues: firstly, the incredulity and anger of the majority of Malaysians; secondly, executive interference with the judiciary and the police; and thirdly, the personalities of the key players – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak – as well as a political elite for whom the transition of power is an anathema.

Most of the people I’ve talked to – strictly non-politicians – have rejected the latest accusations against the former deputy prime minister out-of-hand.

source : http://news.google.com.my/news?