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Brunei backs Rais as Commonwealth secretary-general The Star, 11 July 2007 KUALA LUMPUR: Brunei has rallied behind Malaysia's candidate for the Commonwealth secretary-general post – Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim. Dr Rais said: “I feel touched for the support from Brunei, Singapore and friends from other countries. I will work hard according to the advice from Wisma Putra,” he said yesterday. He said Malaysia would also try to gain support from participating countries like Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada. Besides Malaysia, India and Malta have also announced their intention to contest for the post. India has proposed its High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Kamalesh Sharma, while Malta named its Foreign Minister Michael Frendo. The election for the new secretary-general will be held at the three-day Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in, Uganda, on Nov 23.The term of the current Commonwealth secretary-general, Don McKinnon of New Zealand, ends on March 31 next year, and it is Asia’s turn to hold the post. On another issue, Dr Rais said that so far, 38 corporations including Maybank and Tenaga Nasional Bhd had pledged their support for this year’s Merdeka celebrations. Earlier, Dr Rais launched the Our Vision For The Nation Campaign, which was aimed at raising funds for 10 charity organisations for underprivileged children at the Menara Maybank here. Maybank presented a RM350,000 donation to the campaign. Maybank Bhd
chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Basir Ahmad said: “Maybank will
continue to play our corporate role to promote peace and harmony, and
encourage citizens to uphold the spirit of being Malaysian.” Under this campaign, children will be given the chance to state their vision for the country and their photographs will then be made into a montage of the Malaysian flag, to be raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Merdeka Day. Their vision for the country will be compiled and presented to the nation's leaders. For
details on the campaign and how to participate, log on to www.visionforthenation.com.my
or contact 017-2389050.
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