Oleh/By  	:	DATO SERI DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue	:	NEW YORK
Tarikh/Date	:	25/09/2003
Tajuk/Title 	:	PRESENTATION OF MALAYSIA'S 
			GIFT TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Versi 		:	ENGLISH
Penyampai	:  	PM 
	    

  I  am  indeed  very pleased to be here in New  York  to
   attend  the 58th Session of the United Nations  General
   Assembly.   This  is  the  forty-sixth  time   that   a
   Malaysian delegation has attended the General  Assembly
   since Malaysia became a member of the United Nations on
   17  September 1957.  After 46 years as a member of this
   Organization, Malaysia is now pleased to present a gift
   to  the  United  Nations.  Many  other  countries  have
   already  done so.  Today, I am truly very happy  to  be
   able  to  present  this gift from  the  Government  and
   people of Malaysia to the United Nations.
   
   2.    This  gift from Malaysia is a betel quid set,  or
   "tepak  sireh" in the Malay language.  In Malaysia,  in
   the olden days the "tepak sireh" had a significant part
   in conversations, negotiations and important ceremonies
   in  the  royal courts, village gatherings  and  in  the
   homes  of  the  ordinary people.  The  betel  leaf  was
   offered  to  guests, in many instances as  a  means  to
   start  conversations going.  The "tepak sireh"  remains
   today as a centerpiece during traditional ceremonies.
   
   3.    The "tepak sireh" is thus an important symbol  of
   diplomacy, dialogue, friendship and cooperation.   This
   is  what the United Nations symbolizes and should stand
   for during these trying times.  This "tepak sireh" is a
   variation  of the traditional "tepak sireh",  conceived
   and  designed  by Malaysians to embody  the  spirit  of
   harmony and unity that exists within the diverse ethnic
   and  cultural milieu in Malaysia.  On the international
   plane  it embodies the diversity among the many nations
   that  have  placed their hopes and trust in the  United
   Nations.   This  "tepak  sireh" is  supported  by  four
   traditional Malay weapons.  The fact that these weapons
   are  securely sheathed in their scabbard, testifies  to
   the  peaceful  intentions of the Malaysian  people  and
   their hope for peace to prevail at all times.
   
   4.    This  gift signifies Malaysia's strong commitment
   to  the  United  Nations.  It is also for  everyone  to
   share and perhaps admire.  I hope that all visitors  to
   the   United   Nations   will  recognise   "Malaysia's"
   commitment to peace and harmony through this symbol.
   
   5.    Please  accept this gift from the Government  and
   people of Malaysia.

   Sumber : Pejabat Perdana Menteri