Oleh/By		:	DATO' SERI DR. 
			MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD 
Tempat/Venue 	: 	THE PALACE OF THE GOLDEN HORSES 
			THE MINES RESORT CITY,
			KUALA LUMPUR 
Tarikh/Date 	: 	17/11/99 
Tajuk/Title  	: 	THE WORLD CUP GOLF MALAYSIA, 
			1999 OPENING DINNER 




       On  behalf of all Malaysians, and as Patron of  the
  World  Cup  Golf Malaysia, 1999 (WCG '99),   I  wish  to
  welcome    all    participants   to   this   prestigious
  tournament. Malaysia is truly honoured to play  host  to
  this  World  Cup  Golf  for the  first  time  since  its
  inception  in  1953  which began as the  Canada  Cup  in
  Montreal.
  
  2.    The  WCG  '99  was conceived  as  a  promotion  of
   international goodwill and it has been proven that  golf
  could   be   an   effective  instrument  for   promoting
  international   relations  where   people   of   diverse
  cultures, beliefs and nationalities could come  together
  in   a  sporting  atmosphere.   Indeed  this  tournament
  provides  a  significant forum for various countries  to
  meet,  compete and enhance the spirit of friendship  and
  cordiality.
  
  3.    Golf  in Malaysia is fast catching up.  The  rapid
  development of golf courses in Malaysia in the  last  10
  years  is evidence of this popularity.   Currently there
  are  more  than  200 golf courses in the  country.   The
  interest   among  Malaysians  to  play  golf   is   most
  encouraging.   This  has been made  especially  possible
  with  golf  institutions providing necessary  leadership
  and  corporate  bodies  in  making  available  financial
  sponsorships  in  big events such as  this.   It  is  no
  surprise  then  that  with all  the  increased  interest
   among  corporate  executives and investors,  golf  clubs
  have   mushroomed  everywhere.   Malaysia  is   set   to
  establish itself as a golfing paradise in the region.
  
  4.    The  Government  is  keen to develop  golf-related
  tourism  as  part  of  its policy of developing  tourism
  since  it  is one of the most important contributors  to
  foreign  exchange  earnings.   Golfing  as  a  sport  is
  linked  closely with tourism.  This is because  tourists
  are  greatly  attracted  to the  beautifully  landscaped
  greenery  of  the  golf courses and the holiday  resorts
  which   are  usually  developed  together  in  Malaysia.
  Thus,  golfers  and tourists can find both accommodation
  and  golfing  facilities  in an  attractive  surrounding
  while  being  able to savour the culinary  and  cultural
  heritage  of  Malaysia.  I may add  here  that  Malaysia
  currently  is a very inexpensive destination  thanks  to
  the devaluation of the Malaysian currency.
  
  5.    The  Organising Committee of the World  Cup  Golf,
   Malaysia 1999 has adopted a special theme for the  event
  --   'Go  for  the  Green'.  It is  most  befitting  the
  greenery  of  Malaysia's tropical  rainforests  and  the
  importance  of environment preservation.  The  theme  is
  most   consistent   with  sustainable   development,   a
  principle Malaysia has always adhered to.
  
  6.    I  wish  to  take this opportunity  to  thank  the
  International  Golf Association for  the  confidence  it
  has  in Malaysia for organising this event.  I also wish
  to  thank  the  various  sponsors  involved,  especially
  PROTON Berhad which is the presenting sponsor for  their
  support.
  
  7.    To  all  the tourists who are here especially  for
  the  tournament, do take some time off to see  the  rest
  of   Malaysia   and  its  cultural  diversity   and   do
  experience the Malaysian hospitality.
  
  8.    I  am  not  a  golfer but I do  encourage  golfing
  because  I like the green of the golf courses.   I  hope
  everyone  including  Mr  Tiger Woods  and  other  famous
   golfers will enjoy this competition and your brief  stay
  in Malaysia.
  
  9.    I  wish everyone good golfing and the best of luck
  in your competition.