Doha, 20 Sept 2025

The Malaysian community in Qatar came together in a spirit of unity and patriotism to celebrate the nation's 68th National Day and Malaysia Day at a specially organized "Malam Aspirasi Merdeka" (Night of Independence Aspirations) event. Held at the Holiday Villa Hotel and Residences in Doha, the celebration was jointly hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Qatar and the Malaysian Community Qatar Forum, drawing more than 350 attendees from various professional backgrounds, including business leaders, engineers, educators, and their family members.

The evening began on a solemn note with guests dressed in elegant traditional attire singing the national anthem and reciting the Rukun Negara pledge, reaffirming their commitment to Malaysia's national principles.

HE Ambassador Faizal Razali then in his inspiring keynote address centered on this year's national theme, "Malaysia MADANI: A Nation that Cares for Its People." He elaborated on the government's dedication to compassionate governance and inclusive development while encouraging overseas Malaysians to serve as exemplary ambassadors through their professional excellence and personal integrity.

The cultural segment transformed the venue into a vibrant showcase of Malaysia's rich heritage. Guests enjoyed an array of traditional dishes while being treated to captivating performances that included the rhythmic beats of kompang drums, the graceful movements of Joget and Zapin dances, a powerful Silat martial arts demonstration, and the iconic Sumazau dance from Sabah. A particularly emotional moment occurred when Ambassador Razali invited two Palestinian orphans from Gaza, Dareen Al Bayya and her young brother Kinan, to receive contributions from the Malaysian Prime Minister—a touching gesture that embodied the nation's compassionate spirit.

In discussions with Qatar Tribune, Ambassador Razali emphasized the event's significance in nurturing patriotism and unity among Malaysians abroad. He praised the diaspora's professional contributions to Qatar's development and expressed gratitude to the Qatari government for creating a welcoming environment for the community. The Ambassador also reiterated Malaysia's principled stance on Palestine, acknowledging Qatar's important role in supporting Palestinian rights and highlighting Malaysia's participation in recent international summits addressing the issue.

Zulkifli Mohd Zin, President of the Malaysian Community in Qatar (MAQ), highlighted the importance of preserving cultural identity among younger generations through such celebrations. He detailed MAQ's active event calendar, which has featured over 40 activities in the past year ranging from cultural gatherings to international motorcycle rallies. With plans underway for a camping trip to Hatta and a silver jubilee gala to mark MAQ's 25th anniversary, the association continues to strengthen bonds within the approximately 6,000-strong Malaysian community in Qatar, approximately 4,000 of whom are MAQ members operating under the embassy's patronage.

The celebration successfully reinforced the values of patriotism, cultural pride, and unity, serving as a meaningful reminder of home for Malaysians residing in Qatar while demonstrating the community's strong organizational capabilities and deep connection to their homeland.