
Teh tarik session, guitar picking opened the curtain of Lawrence Wong’s visit to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR : Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong’s official visit to Malaysia which started yesterday opened with a relaxed event including enjoying Malaysians’ favorite drink, teh tarik and playing the guitar.
Wong, who is also the Finance Minister of the neighboring country, enjoyed his time with the Finance Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Before his official visit to Kuala Lumpur which started yesterday, Wong shared his excitement to meet the country’s leaders on his social media account.
“It’s fun to enjoy a cup of teh tarik while working. In fact, I’m going to Malaysia soon and can’t wait to meet my counterpart, and enjoy a cup of teh tarik there. See you soon,” said Wong as he expressed his love for the popular Malaysian drink.
In the meantime, Wong’s message was welcomed by Tengku Zafrul who also welcomed the request of the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore.
“Hi Lawrence, I’m waiting for you with Malaysian teh tarik. Once you try it, you must want it again,” he said through a reply.
In conjunction with his maiden visit after being appointed as Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister last June, Wong’s packed schedule includes several meetings with Malaysian leaders to discuss various issues including the economy and bilateral cooperation.
However, the busy schedule of official duties did not prevent the two Finance Ministers from spending time in a casual atmosphere.
“This is what happens when the Finance Ministers of Singapore and Malaysia spend time together. We can play some songs together!” said Wong in the same post.
He also uploaded a photo with Tengku Zafrul with their respective guitars.
“Thank you Tengku Zafrul for your and your wife’s hospitality – the dinner was very good as well as the teh tarik!
“(I) look forward to more discussions in the next two days, and the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between our two countries!,” Wong said again.
Wong is the fourth generation (4G) leader of the republic who is in the country for a four-day working visit until Wednesday starting yesterday (Sunday).
While in Kuala Lumpur, Wong is expected to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at the Istana Negara.
In addition, he will also hold a meeting with the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as well as several other government leaders.
Singapore is Malaysia’s second largest trading partner and the largest in ASEAN, with a total trade value of RM267.11 billion in 2021, up 25.2 percent compared to 2020.
source – Hilmi Malik