The meaning of “Merdeka” …

Having witnessed the effects of war in Iraq, Merdeka (independence) has a profound meaning for Malaysian Ambassador to Jordan Hasnudin Hamzah.
"During my trip to Baghdad in April, I could see damaged buildings and roads because of the bombings," he told me by telephone from Amman.
Hasnudin is also accredited to Iraq, which borders Jordan.
Based on his experience, Hasnudin has been telling Malaysian students who are pursuing their studies in Jordan to defend Malaysia’s independence at whatever cost.
"They should appreciate those who had fought for the country's independence from colonialisation.
"I hope they will use the knowledge they obtain to fulfill our country's aspirations to ensure that Malaysia’s sovereignty, freedom, harmony and prosperity will always be preserved," said Hasnudin.
Currently, there are 725 Malaysian students in Jordan.

Rugby-inspired winning logo…

It has been revealed that the logo for this year’s 51st Merdeka celebrations was inspired by rugby, most distinctly its scrum.

Forty-eight year old Anuar Dan said he came out with the design based on his observation of the sports.
"In rugby, the players of various races interlocked their shoulders, working out strategies to beat their opponents," he told Utusan Malaysia newspaper.
Anuar took a month to produce 20 designs but eventually submitted five for the competition.
"I’m thankful that one of my designs was selected from more than 800 received by the organizer," said the Health Ministry officer.

(Utusan Malaysia photo)

Azerbaijan stresses need for accurate information...

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev welcomed participants of the 30th Executive Board Meeting of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) taking place in its capital Baku.
The holding of the event demonstrates the importance Azerbaijan places on media, he told the visiting heads and representatives of the region’s leading news agencies.
Aliyev noted that their visit was very significant in terms of delivering true information about Azerbaijan to the international community.
"Sometimes wrong information are given related with our country and this meeting is also significant from view of real elucidation of procedures in public life of Azerbaijan," said Aliyev.
Underlining the importance of professionalism and responsibility in the work of mass media, he also stressed the positive role of holding regular gatherings including trainings.
The Azerbaijani leader said the meeting on the theme of 'Information for All in the Globalizing World' was a good forum for exchanging views and experience.
He took the opportunity to highlight Azerbaijan`s economic potential, saying the former Soviet republic has been the world’s fastest growing economy over the past few years.
He said Azerbaijan has been successfully developing the non-oil sector with education and information technologies being a high priority.
He also touched upon Azerbaijan`s Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which, the President said, left over million Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs.
The Azerbaijani leader said that notwithstanding all difficulties, his country had managed to become the regional leader.