KUALA LUMPUR – In her first public engagement here, newly minted Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reminisced on her roots in Malaysia, particularly Sabah, in efforts to boost ties between the two countries.
Wong, who was born in Sabah, had joked about her mixed ancestral descent and recalled her parents’ humble beginnings in Kota Kinabalu.
“I doubt my Poh-Poh (grandmother) could ever have imagined it. Her name was Madam Lai Fung Shim.
“She was of Hakka descent. My grandfather is Cantonese. So,there is still a debate whether I’m a Cantonese or a Hakka,” she said in jest.
“Her son, Francis Wong, was a bright student who worked hard. His efforts earned him a Colombo Plan scholarship to study architecture at Adelaide University
“The opportunity to study was the opportunity that defined his life. It meant he could climb out of the poverty he experienced as a child.”
Wong said education had allowed her father, Francis, better access to opportunities and to eventually move back to Kota Kinabalu with his family.
“Dad brought back with him knowledge and skills. He became a notable figure in Kota Kinabalu, designing prominent civic buildings, although sadly I am told many have been replaced.
“The value of that education has never left him. He always told me ‘they can take everything away from you, but they can’t take your education’,” she said.
Wong expressed gratitude that both Malaysia and Australia have built a great foundation based on education.
“Indeed, over the past twenty years, more than 125,000 Malaysians have studied in Australia.
“And many Australians are benefiting from education in Malaysia,” adding that around 2,000 Australian undergraduate students have been supported to undertake study and internships in Malaysia under the New Colombo Plan.
In her speech, Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to building stronger relations with Malaysia through other areas apart from the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by both countries last year.
“This is a strong basis for deeper cooperation, but we can do more.
“Australia wants to work together on the challenges we both face, including food security, and health and pandemic recovery,'” she said.
Later in her speech, Wong said her Malaysian heritage is one of 270 ancestries that now represent Australia and also reiterated her country’s commitment to the region’s stability as a whole.
“Half of the Australian population was born overseas or has a parent who was born overseas.
“Australia will be reflecting this rich character back to the world, so the world can see itself in Australia.
“This is because we share common ground,” she said.
Wong’s public engagement this morning as part of her official visit to the country marks her first return to Sabah since assuming the position of foreign minister.
She is slated to fly to Kota Kinabalu for another series of official functions there.
In attendance at the function this morning were former Malaysian foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Seremban MP and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Muar MP and Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh, Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming, Selangau MP Baru Bian, and a few other opposition members.
Also spotted were Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism executive director Cynthia Gabriel and transgender welfare activist Nisha Ayub who is co-founder of community-run Seed Foundation.
Wong assumed office in her current portfolio on May 23. She has headed two other Australian ministries prior to this.
She was elected as a senator for South Australia in 2001, and went on to defend her seat in 2007, 2013, and 2016. This makes Wong the fourth longest-serving senator in Australia.
She also made history as the first female to become the leader of the government in the Senate in 2013, and subsequently the leader of the opposition in the Senate after her party’s defeat in the 2013 elections. – The Vibes, June 29, 2022
