Australian High Commission hosts Iftar reception
The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Miles Kupa, and his wife, Ms Zuly Chudori, hosted a first of its kind Iftar/Buka Puasa dinner at their Residence on 24 July to break the fast during Ramadan.
The dinner was attended by distinguished Malaysians from a range of fields. Guests included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman and his wife, YBhg Datin Sri Siti Rubiah; Chairman of the English-Speaking Union, YAM Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar and her husband, YM Tunku Datuk Mudzaffar Tunku Mustapha; Founding President of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), YAM Tunku Zain Al’Abidin Tunku Muhriz; Deputy Chairman of Genting Bhd, YABhg Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar and Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X Bhd, Mr Azran Osman-Rani.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, Chairman of Cordoba Initiative, led the Maghrib prayers and delivered a speech noting how diversity and multiculturalism were great strengths of both Australia and Malaysia.
In his address, High Commissioner Mr Kupa said: “While honouring Islam by hosting this Iftar, we are acknowledging at the same time the diverse and pluralist tradition that allows all of us, of whatever faith or belief system, to meet together in harmony and goodwill. That, truly, is the Australian way. So by coming together this evening, as Muslims throughout the world observe the sacred rituals of Iftar, we are reaffirming that the Islamic, Malaysian and Australian traditions are close.”
In his remarks, Counsellor and Head of the Political-Economic Section of the High Commission, Mr Ridwaan Jadwat, said: “Like Malaysia, Australia’s multicultural composition is at the heart of our national identity, and is intrinsic to our history and character. Our differences in language, culture, and faith enliven and strengthen our societies. Australia is now home to nearly half a million Muslims and Islam is one of the fastest growing faiths in Australia. Muslims are a vital and integral part of the rich mosaic of Australian society.”
Mr Jadwat also performed the Adhan (call to prayer) to signify the end of the fasting day.
The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Miles Kupa (right), presents a token to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman.
From left: High Commissioner Mr Miles Kupa and his wife Ms Zuly Chudori, together with YAM Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar and her husband, YM Tunku Datuk Mudzaffar Tunku Mustapha.
High Commissioner Mr Miles Kupa (left) presents a gift to Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, Chairman of Cordoba Initiative.
From left: Ms Ilhaam Soeker-Jadwat; Counsellor and Head of the Political-Economic Section of the Australian High Commission, Mr Ridwaan Jadwat; YB Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman; YBhg Datin Sri Siti Rubiah; Mr Alexander Kupa; Ms Zuly Chudori; High Commissioner Mr Miles Kupa and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf.
From left: The Most Reverend Tan Sri Datuk Murphy Pakiam, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur; YM Tunku Datuk Mudzaffar Tunku Mustapha; YB Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman; Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and Deputy Chairman of Genting Bhd, YABhg Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar.
From left: High Commissioner Mr Miles Kupa; Ms Zuly Chudori; Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, YBhg Dato’ Selwyn Das; Mr Ridwaan Jadwat; Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X Bhd, Mr Azran Osman-Rani; Deputy Secretary-General (Trade) of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Mr Mohd Ridzal Sheriff and Director-General of the Department of National Unity and Integration, Prime Minister's Department, YBhg Dato' Azman Amin Hassan.