Malay tribal conference planned

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: It is expected that Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri will inaugurate the three-day working conference of Malay tribes starting here on May 20, an official said on Wednesday.

Baijuri Asir, the head of the South Sumatra Tourism Office, said that the Vice President had given a green light to officially launch the conference, dubbed as the first of its kind in the region.

"Some ministers from Indonesia and Malaysia plan to present papers at the event," Baijuri said.

He said that 300 participants from 12 countries had confirmed their attendance at the conference.

"The participants will come from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan, the People's Republic of China, England, Madagascar, South Africa and Indonesia," Baijuri said.

The conference follows a meeting of Malay tribes in October last year in Malacca, Malaysia, he added.

The conference is expected to enhance cooperation in business, culture, transportation, investment and information among Malay people. (33)