Consul-General Machida Visits the Penang Malay Association

On February 4th, Mr. Shinya Machida, Consul-General of Japan in Penang, paid a courtesy call on Tan Sri Yusuf Latif, President of the Penang Malay Association. The association was established in 1927 to promote the education and welfare of Malays in Penang State. I understand Tan Sri Yusuf Latif is now 95 years old and has long dedicated himself not only to the Malay community but also to maintaining friendly relations among all ethnic groups in Penang. While Malaysia, including Penang, currently enjoys multi-ethnic harmony, Mr. Machida strongly felt this stems not only from the economic growth achieved through its advantageous geopolitical position within the Asia-Pacific value chain, but also from the efforts of people who worked to maintain that harmony.