MFA Press Statement: Visit of Senior Minister of State Zainul Abidin Rasheed to Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan, 25 - 27 July 2008

Senior Minister of State Zainul Abidin Rasheed completed his three day goodwill visit to Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan with 322 Grassroots Leaders and residents from Eunos, visiting the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, the Hindu temples at Batu Caves, the Pahang Buddhist Association, the St Thomas Church and the State Mosque in Kuantan. During the visits, SMS Zainul shared information about how Singapore practises multi-racialism in Singapore, highlighting efforts at bonding among Singaporeans and promoting better understanding among residents on the ground.

During the various stops, SMS Zainul and his multi-ethnic and multi-religious group were given briefings about Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Church activities in Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, who had just returned from Singapore where he attended the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, graced the dinner held on Friday night for the delegation. SMS Zainul exchanged views with Dato' Seri Utama Dr Rais about the recently concluded ASEAN and other Meetings. SMS presented the Malaysian FM with a book "Harmony of Minds", a collection of photographs depicting multi-racial living in Singapore.

SMS Zainul, who is also Mayor of the North East Community Development Council, will continue with the second leg of the visit from 28 - 30 July 2008 to Kuala Lumpur for bilateral meetings with Malaysian political leaders and personalities.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
27 JULY 2008