Roses in Malaysia 2003 Stamp

Malaysia is famous for the beauty of its flora and fauna. Having an Equatorial climate enables Malaysia to enjoy the ideal weather for the cultivation of various plants and trees. One of the plants that flourish in Malaysia is the rose tree. Roses are probably the most popular flower in the country. It's frequently sought after as a symbol of remembrance during special days like anniversaries, birthdays and also during festive season.

Roses come in a variety of sizes and colors. Most of the roses found in Malaysia are fragrant though there are those which are odorless. Generally, roses need extra care in its cultivation. From its soil, fertilizer and insect repellant, all this information is vital in order to produce a beautiful and healthy blossom.

Rosa hybrida is the favorite species of rose in the country. Among popular breeds of Rosa hybrida is the hybrid team which is also the largest group of roses. They are either budded or grafted meaning they are not growing off their own rootstock. The complex hybridization process has resulted to the many colors, flower sizes and forms or roses.

Floribundas were produced by crossing Polyantha roses with Hybird Teas. Floribunda lives in a group and is suitable to be grown either on flowerbeds or in pots. This species normally grows between 3 to 5 feet high.

The Floribunda featured here is a rare species. Stripes, which appear on its petals, make it more unique, Floribundas can live in most climates and has a strong resistance in combating diseases that frequently attacks other species of roses. As the name suggests, the blossoms of Floribunda miniature is small in size and most of its plants can be categorized as shrubs, Due to its physical condition, it is perfect for containers, window boxes or patios. Only a few of these species are fragrant. This doesn't stop them from be admired for their beauty.

Rosa centifolia is one of two species of roses that can produce fragrant oil. The oil is quite pricy, as tonnes of its petals are needed just to produce a liter of oil. The oil is used by perfume and cosmetics manufacturer to obtain the rose fragrance in their products. Thorny like most species of roses, Rosa centifolia can grow until 8 feet high and are normally pink or yellow in color.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 22-Feb-2003

Stamp Value : 30 Sen ( 2 Designs); 50 Sen Setenant ( 2 Designs )

Stamp Size : 35mm X 35mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM3.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm X 100mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 29.85mm X 40.8mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Fragrant Ink

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM3.00

XIII Conference of Heads of State or Government of The Non-Aligned Movement Stamp

The Non-Aligned Movement

Historical Background

The formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) can be traced back to the newfound sentiments and determination of the leaders of 29 Asian and African countries, most of which were then newly independent ones that participated in the Asian-African Conference, more popularly known as the Bandung Conference, held in Bandung, Indonesia from 18-24 April 1955.

The Bandung Conference discussed the possible measures that these countries could implement in enhancing close cooperation in the fields of politics, economy and culture. The main trust of the Final Communique of the Conference was the Dasa Sila Bandung (The Ten Principles of Bandung) which provided an agreed premise for them to govern the conduct of relations among themselves as well as with other countries in the said fields of cooperation.

Establishment

At the collective initiative of President Josip Eroz Tito of the then Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Prime Minister Jawalharlal Nehru of India, and President Ahmad Soekarno of Indonesia, and with the co-sponsorship of Afghanistan, the Preparatory Meeting for the 1st Conference of Heads of State or Government of NAM (1st NAM Summit) was convened, in Cairo, Egypt from 5-12 June 1961. The meeting was aimed at conducting "a general discussion in an atmosphere of friendship and understanding or questions relating to the holding of the 15t NAM Summit".

As recommended by the aforementioned Cairo Preparatory Meeting, the 1st NAM Summit was held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia from 1-6 September 1961. Thus, the convening of the Summit marked the birth of NAM.

Since the 1st NAM Summit in Belgrade in 1961, 11 subsequent Summits were held which involved ever-increasing participation by the developing countries. Currently, the NAM is represented by 114 member countries, 16 observer countries, 7 observer organizations, 31 quest countries and 42 guest organizations.

Malaysia was officially brought into the fold of the Movement as a member country with its participation in the Informal Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of NAM at New York on 27 September 1969. Subsequently, the Malaysian Delegation, led by Tun Abdul Razak as the then Prime Minister, attended its first ever Summit as a member country at the 3rd NAM Summit in Lusaka, Zambia from 8-10 September 1970.

Principles and Objectives

The appeal of NAM lies both in its origin as well as its principles and objectives. The idea grew out of a desire of a great majority of newly independent countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean to be free from any alignment in the then rigidly bipolar world. Such a sentiment was able to reduce tension and safeguard their newfound independence and national integrity.

The XIII NAM Summit

The Conference of HOSIGs or NAM Summit is the highest decision-making authority of the Movement. The existing practice is to hold the Summit once in every three years. Malaysia is deeply honored for being unanimously endorsed by the member states of NAM during the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of NAM in Qurban, South Africa from 27-29 April 2002 as the host country of the XIII NAM Summit as well as its Chair for 2003-2006. Malaysia's readiness in hosting the XIII NAM Summit and assuming the NAM Chair is a testimony to its strong commitment to the Movement.

Malaysia and the Non-Aligned Movement

Malaysia recognizes the importance of NAM as a major forum for consultations and co-ordination of positions on political and economic issues of importance among the developing countries. The Movement must continue to strive for a global order that is peaceful, secure and oriented towards prosperity, justice and equality, a world in which the worth of the human person and the sovereignty of states are upheld. The vitality and relevance of the Movement as a vehicle to achieve these goals should be further strengthened and broadened based on the commonality of interests and shared concerns, without sacrificing its founding principles.

As a body representing almost two-thirds of the sovereign states of the world, NAM's potential in shaping an international order that takes into account the concerns of the developing countries could be further enhanced. Malaysia, as the upcoming Chair of NAM will endeavor to further promote this aim with the cooperation of the larger NAM membership.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 6-Feb-2003

Stamp Value : 30 Sen ( Setenant ); 50 Sen ( Setenant )

Stamp Size : 40mm X 30mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen