DILI, 03 September 2025 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta attended a reception celebrating Malaysia’s 68th National Day and Malaysia Day, held at the Dili Convention Centre (CCD).
The event, hosted by Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Amarjit Sarjit Singh, welcomed approximately 400 guests, including Timorese ministers, vice ministers, secretaries of state, senior government officials, representatives from academia and the private sector, members of the diplomatic corps, the Malaysian diaspora, and Friends of Malaysia. Among the guests were alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) and graduates of Malaysian universities.
Also in attendance were Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing Mariano Assanami Sabino; Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel; and several other vice ministers and secretaries of state.
Following remarks by Ambassador Amarjit Sarjit Singh and President Ramos-Horta, attendees enjoyed a variety of Malaysian culinary delights. Malaysia’s National Day, commonly known as Merdeka Day, is celebrated on August 31, while Malaysia Day is observed on September 16 as a national holiday.
Ambassador Amarjit Sarjit Singh highlighted this year’s theme, “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni,” which translates to “Civil Malaysia: People Are Cared For.” He emphasized the importance of friendship and mutual support in strengthening the bonds between Malaysia and Timor-Leste.
“Let’s celebrate this Merdeka and the upcoming Malaysia Day with joy. Let us focus on what unites us rather than what divides us, and continue working toward a future of lasting friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and Timor-Leste,” Ambassador Amarjit Sarjit Singh said.
On this occasion, President Ramos-Horta reflected on the deep historical ties between Timor-Leste and Malaysia. “We gratefully recall the decisive support of Malaysian military, police, and technical personnel during the 1999 Popular Consultation and throughout all United Nations missions, as well as Malaysia’s fundamental role in the process of state-building and the development of our public administration,” President Horta said.
He further noted that Malaysia has supported Timor-Leste’s sustainable economic development since its independence 25 years ago, and was the first country to send a Peacekeeping Force (PKF) to assist in nation-building efforts.
President Horta also emphasized the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including education, capacity building, health, defense, and security.
“Therefore, on behalf of the people and Government of Timor-Leste, I thank Malaysia for its support across these sectors. Malaysia has played a vital role in helping us achieve sustainable development in Timor-Leste,” President Horta concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
