Malaysia
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Colourful launch of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 by Prime Minister

Kuala Lumpur: The Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 was officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, here, in an elaborate and colourful ceremony Saturday night. It’s a truly extravagant and successful celebration. Colourful fireworks illuminated the sky throughout the celebration. The event was telecast live to 10 countries like Australia, China, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore.

The rain in the Federal capital failed to dampen the spirit of the more than 20,000 visitors who had flocked the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to witness the glittering event. Local and foreign, have gathered as early as noon to witness the celebration.

The crowd, which comprised some 600 foreign journalists and ambassadors, was earlier treated to cultural performances and singing by Anita Sarawak, Michael Wong and Sheila Majid, among others.

The two Malaysians who are eyeing to be the nation’s first astronaut – Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed – went up on the stage to meet Abdullah.

The event was launched exactly at 10pm with a fireworks display which was greeted with loud cheers from the spectators who remained at the recreational park even when the rain turned heavier as soon as Abdullah completed the launch.

The prime minister then proceeded to the Eye on Malaysia on a boat across the lake. After launching it, Abdullah took the opportunity to try the “Ferris Wheel” ride on one of the gondolas to get a breathtaking view of the capital at night, which was opened for the first time in conjunction with the launch of the VMY 2007. The Eye on Malaysia will be opened to the public on Sunday. The crowd was then treated to another round of fireworks display and a jet-ski stunt.

Besides the Ferris Wheel, VMY 2007 will also organise more than 240 events and activities in various locations throughout the country.

Eye On Malaysia