13 August 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur urged Filipino Muslims to continue to strengthen unity among themselves and their solidarity with the rest of the Filipino community.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya made the call during the Eid’l Fitr/Hari Raya reception held at the Embassy’s B. Vista Community Hall on August 9.

This is the third straight year that the Philippine Embassy hosted a Hari Raya reception for the Filipino-Muslim community and Malaysian friends.

Present during the event were some 150 guests, notably officials and members of the Union of Muslim Filipinos in Malaysia (UMFM), Filipino-Muslim students in Kuala Lumpur and their Malaysian friends. 

The program started with an opening prayer led by Ustadz Kiram Makoro followed by welcome remarks from Ambassador Malaya. 

“This Hari Raya Reception is the best attended thus far through the years, and it signifies our unity as Filipinos.  We are several miles apart from our homeland, far from our families and loved ones, yet we seldom feel homesick.  We draw our strength from each other, and from every Filipino who is present here today, may he be a Muslim, Christian or of some other faith,” Ambassador Malaya said. 

“I am glad to welcome the members of the Union of Muslim Filipinos (UMFM) in Malaysia, and our other guests.  The UMFM have grown in strength each year, and the friendship and camaraderie among you have remained strong.  We at the Philippine Embassy are very proud of your achievements,” he added.

Also present were Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and Culture Assistant Secretary Atty. Amilizan Mazlan, UMFM Vice Presidents Omar Bin Bito (Internal) and Jamela Bint Abdullah (External and Women’s Sector) and Head of Committee on Religious Affairs Alim Cairoden Datu Solaiman Lao.

The UMFM, led by its President Jamel Camayodin, was established on 28 October 2012.  It is a member of the Federation of Filipino Associations in Malaysia (FFAM), and has been active in Filipino community activities including the Philippine Independence Day Parade every June.

For his part, Mr. Lao thanked the Embassy and its officers and staff for their support to the Filipino-Muslim community in Malaysia, and noted that it is through Embassy’s efforts that the UMFM grows from strength to strength.

The Hari Raya feast started with a du’a by Imam Hamza Balt. There were also performances from Najib Tago, Rasmuddin Mimbantas and the Misbah Group.  END