Two-decade-old MAQ on a mission to serve and inspire Malaysians in Qatar
In Doha, the Malaysian Association of Qatar (MAQ) takes pride in representing their country and in bringing a slice of Malaysia to Doha through its activities and initiatives that promote and showcase the best of Malaysia
HAVING a rich cuisine that embraces several cultures, home to many picturesque destinations including World Heritage Sites and towering landmarks, and a haven of multi-cultural society are among the standout features of Malaysia.
Also known as the Land of Indigenous Malay’ and renowned for its many “superlatives” such as the tallest twin towers and the third largest reclining Buddha in the world, this gem of Southeast Asia is a hub for all types of tourists from families, business people, eco warriors and backpackers to foodies.
In Doha, the Malaysian Association of Qatar (MAQ) takes pride in representing their country and in bringing a slice of Malaysia to Doha through its activities and initiatives that promote and showcase the best of Malaysia. From its vibrant culture to its amazing people.
MAQ was officially formed on April 14, 2000 from an idea mooted by the Minister of Tourism, Culture Arts of Malaysia at the time. It is officially recognised by the Embassy of Malaysia in Doha as the association representing Malaysians residing in Qatar.
As an organisation that has been around for two decades, MAQ aspires to continue to bring the 5000 strong Malaysian community in Qatar closer and to further encourage the nationals to explore their abilities in diverse interests. It organises community related activities and programmes. Through its longstanding reach into the Malaysian community, MAQ also acts as a link between the Embassy and the community in imparting information as well as assisting in other social aspects of community living.
“The main aim for MAQ is to gather and unite all Malaysians living in Qatar through various social activities. MAQ oversees the welfare and wellbeing of members and offers assistance wherever and whenever possible,” Mohd Redzuan Nordin, the MAQ President, told Qatar Tribune in an interview.
Redzuan, a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and a Manager at Qatar Airways, has been serving as the president of MAQ since 2017. He also previously served as the organisation’s vice president from 2016 to 2017 and as an executive counsellor (E CO) from 2008 to 2009.
Sharing the milestones of the organisation, Redzuan stressed MAQ’s role in supporting the formation of various interest groups such as the community’s own football team, a traditional hand drum group (Kompang), and many others.
He noted that at the association’s First Gala
Dinner held in 2018, outstanding members were celebrated and encouraged to showcase their talents.
Through its cooperation with local authorities such as the Ministry of Interior, the Supreme Committee for Delivery Legacy, to name a few, MAQ has participated in various inter community events which has helped to not only promote Malaysian tourism and culture but to also enhance the presence of the Malaysian community and establishing it as a recognised and respectable group of people. Similarly, MAQ has had a successful working relationship with MyAspiration in promoting Malaysian Education Institutions and with Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council in raising awareness on the health tourism in Malaysia.
And, as part of its commitment in looking out for the welfare of its members, Redzuan pointed out that MAQ has in various situations offered assistance to members in need. As an example, it has recently embarked on a food donation drive for members affected by COVID-19. Also, through its collaboration with several establishments, MAQ has had the opportunity to offer its members products and services at discounted rates including discounted medical services by a few medical centres.
Further on the important role of MAQ for its community especially in this challenging times, Redzuan said, “COVID-19 restrictions have forced MAQ to scale down its social activities but it makes sure there is constant contact with members through
all of its social media platforms. Reminders received from various local authorities pertaining to protective measures and rules to be adhered to are constantly being shared with all members. Members are also advised against organising gatherings and are always encouraged to meet-up online instead. In the beginning of the pandemic, MAQ had organised a zoom event to inform and educate of the dangers of COVID-19 by sharing the experiences of fellow Malaysians who had contracted the virus.”
MAQ has many activities planned for the year covering various areas such as sports, religious, arts and culture, educational as well as recreational but have had to scale down to only those activities allowed by the authorities in view of the pandemic such as cycling, bowling and badminton.
Redzuan expressed hopes to be able to revive the rest of the activities planned once the pandemic has passed including holding a Gala Dinner to celebrate MAQ’s 20 years of existence which should have been celebrated in 2020.
As he continues to lead his community, Redzuan said he hopes to further enhance the friendship amongst the different races, cultures and religious beliefs of the Malaysian communities through food festival, sports activities, cultural event, education promotion and social gatherings.
He added, “As our association motto or tagline is: “Bringing Malaysians Together” I hope the community stays in touch in peace and harmony, and help each other always.”
The proud father of five children and grandfather to four grandchildren also fondly shared some of the qualities that make him proud of his country and heritage. He mentioned Malaysia’s traditional food, the Malay cultural dance and the traditional sport game called sepak raga or sepak takraw as just among the many wonderful things that make Malaysia special.
For her part, Maizatul Lina bt Mustapa, MAQ’s Executive Vice President, expressed hope to see stronger relationships among Malaysians in Doha, more successful collaborations with all the different groups within the community and for MAQ to carry own with its tireless efforts in promoting Malaysia to the world.
She fondly mentioned Malaysian authentic traditional food such as nasi lemak, rendang and sweet delicacies like kuih lapis and onde-onde, her country’s renowned craft such as batik painting and rattan weaving and its traditional music and dance as among the trademark of Malaysian culture and heritage that they hope to promote and introduce to locals and expats in Qatar.
In this time of global health crisis, Lina, who works as a Senior Executive Secretary at the Hamad Medical Corporation, also reminded the members of the community on the critical importance of their participation to Qatar’s fight against COVID-19.
“In this unprecedented situation, I hope that the community will obey all rules and regulations from the authorities and to also work together with the Embassy and MAQ in all circumstances. As one big family we should continue to look out for and help one another. Stay home and stay safe,” Lina said.