KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's first lady Rosmah Mansor has called on Malaysians living abroad to promote their national culture and cuisine in a “spirit of patriotism” in order for their children to learn about their homeland's traditions and cultural heritage. “This is what is being championed by our prime minister, Najib Razak, through the 1Malaysia concept,” she said at a dinner gathering of Malaysians in Qatar on Monday. Some 300 Malaysians in Qatar attended the event. Overall around 4,600 Malaysians, including professionals and non-professionals, work in various fields, especially in the private sector, in Gulf country. Several children of Malaysians living in Qatar performed dances of the various Malaysian communities at the event. The first lady is in Qatar to deliver a keynote address at the Qatari Businesswomen Association's program at the Inside Investor Forum Asia 2012 to be held on Monday and Tuesday. Back in Malaysia, local residents praised her comments, telling Bikyamasr.com that “it is great to promote our culture to other countries.” The first lady said Malaysians living abroad should also prove to the world that Malaysians were courteous, well-mannered and upheld high moral values. “Your success will reflect the culture of Malaysia. Continue with your efforts to make Malaysia proud in West Asia,” she said. She said they could harness all the expertise and experience garnered abroad to help develop their own country. “When the time comes, return and serve our nation. The knowledge you gain abroad will help shape a more glorious future for our children and grandchildren,” she said. A local shopkeeper in Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur said that he respected the first lady's efforts on the global scene, adding that “she makes Malaysia proud.”
