TRADITIONAL MALAY WEDDING-THEMED RECEPTION MARKS MALAYSIA'S 2025 ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP AT UN MISSION

NEW YORK, Dec 8 (Bernama) – Malaysia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations set the stage for its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship with a unique and heartwarming celebration – a vibrant, traditional Malay wedding-themed reception that blended cultural heritage with diplomatic significance.

A traditional Malay wedding-themed reception for the First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations, Nizhan Faraz Rizal, and his wife, Sarah Zahirah Ruhama, on Friday night showcased the beauty of Malay customs to an international guest.

From the vibrant bersanding ceremony to the symbolic merenjis ritual, guests were treated to an immersive experience of Malaysia's rich cultural heritage.

They were invited to participate in the merenjis ritual, a meaningful blessing traditionally performed by family members and honoured guests. This interactive participation elevated the evening's significance, seamlessly blending diplomatic formality with cultural celebration.

The reception was attended by foreign diplomats, community leaders, officials, and other distinguished guests, making it a truly memorable cultural exchange.

Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, and his wife, Datin Seri Haflin Nazri Aziz, also attended the event.

Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Datuk Dr. Ahmad Faisal Muhamad, highlighted that the reception underscored the communal spirit central to traditional Malay weddings, which often span several days and involve entire villages in the cooperative effort of gotong-royong.

“The spirit of gotong-royong among our officials and staff truly reflects the core values of our culture,” he said, expressing pride in the teamwork and camaraderie demonstrated by the Mission in organising the event.

When asked why he chose a traditional Malay wedding theme rather than a cultural performance, Ahmad Faisal explained that the event was also intended to celebrate two officers from the Malaysia's Permanent Mission who had recently tied the knot.

"We feel fortunate that two of our officers have recently married, and we want to celebrate their weddings. Therefore, as part of the launch of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and the handover ceremony, we saw this as a perfect opportunity to create a cultural event by showcasing traditional Malay wedding customs," he said.

According to him, the event showcased various cultural elements, including the bersanding ceremony, merenjis, traditional dances, silat, and traditional food, providing the guests with the opportunity to explore and enjoy the uniqueness of Malay cultural heritage.

The newlywed bride and groom - Nizhan, 32, and  Sarah, 34, expressed their heartfelt gratitude and were deeply honoured by the reception.

"It is a great honour for us. Organising a traditional Malay wedding in the New York city is no easy feat," said Sarah to Bernama.

Nizhan, who hails from Rawang, Selangor, has been serving at Malaysia's Permanent Mission in New York for nearly three years, while Sarah is an officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Diplomats attending the event expressed their appreciation for the unique and refreshing departure from typical functions, highlighting the creativity and originality of the traditional Malay wedding theme.

"It's something different from the usual. The creative and unique inclusion of a traditional Malay wedding adds a special cultural touch to the evening, making it truly memorable, " said Burhan Gafoor of Singapore's Permanent Mission to United Nations.

Antonio M. Lagdameo, SR, the Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed his appreciation for Malaysia's innovative approach to launching its ASEAN Chairmanship.

"It was truly enjoyable," Lagdameo said. "Malaysia successfully combined the formalities of chairmanship with a beautiful display of its traditions, which, of course, share many similarities with our own ASEAN customs."

Malaysia, will officially assume the role of ASEAN Chair from January 1, 2025.

--BERNAMA