On 28 April 2010, CG Norman Muhamad and the Heads of Department visited the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Police Academy at the invitation of Deputy Chief Terry S. Hara.  Deputy Chief Hara is the Commanding Officer for Operations West Bureau (OWB), overseeing the geographic area operations of Hollywood, Wilshire, West Los Angeles, Pacific, Station #20, LAX Substation and West Traffic Divisions.

The delegation was welcomed by Deputy Chief Hara and was treated to a “typical police lunch” at the Academy’s historic café.   During the visit, the delegation was given a brief tour of the Academy with explanation of its long history. Chief Terry took the opportunity to brief on the successful community outreach programme that the LAPD runs. Deputy Chief Hara is especially proud of the LAPD youth programme, such as the Police Activity League (PAL) and Law Enforcement Programme. The CG and Deputy Chief Terry exchanged views on possible areas of cooperation between LAPD and Police di-Raja Malaysia.

The highlight of the visit was the shooting simulation exercise, where the delegation was exposed to possible situations and scenarios faced by LAPD in upholding the laws and protecting civilians. The exercise has given the delegation a new appreciation of the difficulty and complexity facing LAPD officers in their everyday job.  

MALAYSIAN DAY

Perwakilan Los Angeles (Ladies Association of Consulate General, LA), with the support of the Consulate General and Tourism Malaysia, hosted a Malaysian Day at the Consul General’s Residence on 2 June 2010.  More than 50 guests from the diplomatic and local community were treated to a slice of Malaysian culture, comprising a Malay wedding, a fashion show, exhibition of Malaysian craft and a lunch of sumptuous Malaysian food.   

Mrs. Kamsiah Kamaruddin, President of Perwakilan, welcomed the guests to the new Malaysian residence. She had chosen the garden as the venue to reflect the open and warm nature of Malaysians.  She was proud to share such a unique and diverse culture and hope that the glimpse afforded would entice the guests to visit Malaysia. 

The arrival of the groom and his entourage were heralded by the beats of kompang and procession of bunga manggar, followed by tepak sireh, sireh junjung and hantaran.  The two sides then exchanged pantun and bargained for the duit tol, much to the guests’ merriment and hilarity. The bride and groom were then seated on the beautifully decorated pelamin, flankled by  two pengapit. The guests later participated in the merenjis ceremony and much to their delight were rewarded with bunga telur. The merenjis was a big hit with the guests, almost all participated in the ceremony.  The guests also marvelled at the wedding accoutrements, which were all handmade by members of Perwakilan.

A fashion show was also performed, displaying the grandeur and variety of songket to the audience.  Mrs. Kamsiah said she chose the lesser-known songket as its sumptuous beauty, elegance and grace deserved to be celebrated and shared with the world.  Nineteen pieces of songket, ranging from the traditional and modern, were displayed.  Many guests were enchanted by the songket, expressing surprise that Malaysia has such a beautiful fabric and yet has not marketed it as aggressively as batik.

The highlight of the day, however, was undoubtedly the fashion show by Perwakilan’s children, looking adorable in their baju kurung and baju melayu.  The children later accompanied their parents for the family segment; showing how traditional garbs were worn by modern families. As the finale, Mrs. Kamsiah, the Consul General and family came out decked in their traditional fineries.   

An exhibition featuring Malaysian crafts was held throughout the event. Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and ladies of Perwakilan contributed the items. Some of the items were caklempong, rebana, wau, pewter, brass items, batik and pottery.  Texts describing the items, as well as Malay marriage, from merisik to bersanding, were also displayed for the guests. Many appreciated the extra length taken to explain the items and the narration accompanying the events, as many were unfamiliar with them.     

The guests were later treated to a delicious kenduri feast of home-cooked nasi lemak with rendang, fried chicken and sambal; fried meehoon, sago Melaka and ais batu campur.  At the end of the day, the guests left with better knowledge of the beauty and uniqueness of the Malaysian culture.

Perwakilan LA hosted its Family Day at Point Fermin Park, San Pedro on 5 June 2010.  Families of officers and staffs from all Malaysian agencies in LA; the Consulate General, Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines; came together for a day of fun and games. Altogether there were 99 participants from 24 families; 18 Perwakilan families and another 6 were guests. The Park was an ideal place for the whole families with its sprawling green lawn, fresh sea breeze and breathtaking vista of steep cliffs and breaking waves.      

The 24 families were divided into four houses; blue, red, yellow and white, the colours of Malaysian flag.  Everybody came in their house colour, adding good-natured rivalry to the games. A number of games were held, for the very young to the young at heart. Games held were musical chair, water balloon toss, colouring contest, run with egg and spoon, feed your parent, three-legged race, hanging apple eating contest, gelek itik and golf putting.  There were also trivia questions, surprise gift and lucky draw.

Blue House won the competition, followed by yellow, red and white. White, however, won the best dressed competition, with the winning family dressed in all white from head to toe; tudung to shoes. One member was even dressed in an umrah garb, much to the hilarity of others. Gifts were generously sponsored by Malaysia Airlines, Tourism Malaysia, Matrade and Perwakilan.