PENANG businessman Datuk Cha Hoo Peng has been officially appointed as the honorary consul-general of the Republic of Fiji in Penang.
The inauguration ceremony was held simultaneously with the celebration of Fiji’s 50th anniversary of independence which falls on Oct 10, which is today.
Representing the Penang government at the ceremony was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who congratulated Cha on his appointment.
“Datuk Cha, I wish to congratulate you on this appointment and I am confident that your role will boost stronger relations between Fiji and Penang.
“As a Penangite who has established business relationship with Fiji since 15 years ago, you are in the best position of knowing Fiji’s strengths as the hub of the Pacific, as well as Penang’s charm as the Pearl of the Orient.
“Together, there is much to gain from this friendship.
“The state government is ever supportive of the growing number of consular representations in Penang, and we certainly welcome more exposure for Penang in Fiji and her regional neighbours.
“Thus, I look forward to stronger relations between our nations, and I offer my congratulations to the Republic of Fiji on her 50th anniversary of independence,” Chow said during the appointment ceremony at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya today.
Chow said he believes that Penang’s sustainable environment, vigorous industrial ecosystem and supportive infrastructure are among the state’s appealing aspects that continue to attract investors despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among those present at the ceremony were Charge d’Affaires of The Republic of Fiji to Malaysia Pita Tagicakirewa, Japan consul general in Penang Shinichiro Kanoya, Indonesia consul-general in Penang Bambang Suharto and Republic of Poland honorary consul Datuk Seri Suppiah Manikam and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang.
Cha, in his speech, thanked the Penang government and the government of Fiji for giving him the support.
“I would like to thank the government of Fiji for the confidence it has in me to be Fiji’s honorary consul general in Penang.
“I am indeed honoured to be the bearer of Fiji’s flag in Penang, and I will fulfil the call with the same patriotism I have given Penang and Malaysia.
“I am pleased to stand here before you with the support of both the Malaysian and Fijian governments; and indeed the Penang state government and proudly proclaim ‘For Fiji, Ever Fiji’.
“At the same time, I also would like to thank Mr Tagicakirewa who has assisted and recommended me to the Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama as an appropriate candidate for the honorary consul general’s post,” he said.
Cha said he is also committed to fostering closer ties between Penang and Fiji.
“My key role is to facilitate opportunity for investment and culture exchange to enhance tourism industry between both Penang and Fiji.
“Fiji’s pristine environment, friendly people, rich culture, are amongst its leading attractions, thus, I invite all of you to visit Fiji and discover it yourself,” he added.
Later, Chow proposed a toast to Fiji’s 50th anniversary of independence while Tagicakirewa proposed a toast to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis