Malaysian pop star Elizabeth Tan belting out a popular song at the Malaysian Fiesta. — Bernama photo
MELBOURNE: More than 26,000 people enjoyed to their hearts’ content at the Malaysian Fiesta here Saturday when Malaysia’s famous cuisine and multicultural diversity were in full display.
Held at the iconic Federation Square and organised by the Victorian chapter of the Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia, the fiesta featured colourful Joget Melayu, Chinese Lion and Bollywood dances and a breathtaking Peranakan Baba Nyonya song and dance performance by a group of senior Malaysians living here.
Popular Malaysian singer Elizabeth Tan, who was flown in for the occasion,
held the large crowd in rapture when she performed a medley of songs, urging the audience to join in the singing.
Malaysian Consul-General Datuk Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya delighted the students when he joined in a durian-eating competition but many felt he needed more practice.
He opened the fiesta along with Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Susan Riley.
The fiesta’s co-project director, Mohd Hasif-Ifran Shamsir Adlan told Bernama this year’s event was better than last year when about 23,000 people attended.
SP Setia chief executive officer in Melbourne, Choong Kai Wai said his company was pleased to be one the sponsors of the fiesta as it was a student effort.
Tourism Malaysia Sydney director Roslan Abdullah hoped such events would help entice Australians to visit Malaysia. — Bernama