600th Anniversary Malaysia - China Relationship Stamp

This year marks the 600th year of Admiral Zheng He's first expedition to Malacca. Up till today, Malaysia regards China as a major trading and business partner and bilateral economic cooperation remains the cornerstone of Malaysia - China policy. Evidence of early trade can be found in the form of tin coins used extensively by merchants. Later, imports and exports of Islamic ceramics and Nyonya ware in the 16th and 18th centuries respectively revealed that the connection between the countries had gone beyond economic and diplomatic relations - it has encroached into our custom and way of life.

As we commemorate the Malaysia - China relationship that had spanned over six centuries, we become more appreciative of the importance of working closely to promote economic growth and political stability in the region. This anniversary marks a new level of friendship between the two nations. As we move into the 21st century, this relationship is pertinent especially in the face of challenges in the global environment.

Merchant Ships

Between 1405 and 1433, Admiral Zheng He commanded a fleet of 62 treasure ships and more than 100 other vessels to Malacca and 30 other countries in the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Arabian and Mediterranean Sea. The ships carried crews of sailors, officers, translators, warriors, pilots, medicinal experts and craftsmen. Merchant ships also brought with them silk, porcelain ware, tea and gun powder for trading in exchange for local spices and other goods such as glassware, oils, textile cotton and fruits from South and West Asia.

The Emperor of China's Royal Seal to the Sultan of Malacca

China and Malacca enjoyed good diplomatic relations when in 1411, Parameswara led a contingent of 540 envoys to China, in which during the visit, an edict was promulgated appointing Parameswara as the king of Malacca and granted an inscription for the sate mountain (country).

A Royal Seal from the Emperor of China was presented to the Sultan of Melaka in recognition of the importance of diplomatic relationship between the two kingdoms. In the following years between 1414 and 1434, other Malacca Sultan also visited China.

Trading in Malacca

During the 15th century, Malacca developed to become the most important commercial center in Southeast Asia. Malacca's location and sound government attracted merchants from China, India and Middle East who recognized its potential as an independent port where trade goods could be exchanged.

Nyonya Ceramics

Nyonya ware was first produced during the late 18th century. These were specially made on consignment for the Straits-born Chinese of Malacca. Nyonya ware is distinguished by their bright color combinations of pink, yellow, dark blue and green. The designs generally found on the ware are fish, phoenixes, flowers such as roses and chrysanthemum and other favored animals. These highly treasured wares were produced in Juangxi and Guangdong province of China. They come in different shapes and sizes but were mainly dining sets, tea sets, vases and other such items.

Currency

Besides barter trading, coins and other money were extensively used in 15th century Malacca. Early Chinese merchants introduced tin animal money in the form of rooster, tortoise, fish and crocodile. During Zheng He's trade missions to Malacca, copper coins were issued and used by most merchants, but were subsequently replaced with tin which were mined and minted in Malacca.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 21-Jul-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen (2 designs); 50 Sen; RM 1.00

Stamp Size : 30 mm X 40 mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 2.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

100 Years Universiti Malaya Stamp

Dewan Tunku Canselor Universiti Malaya

Dewan Tunku Canselor (DTC), the name given to commemorate the building which was to be the landmark of University Malaya. The hall was officially opened on 25th June 1966 by its namesake, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj who was also the university's chancellor.

It all started here where students took their pledge upon first stepping foot into UM, where examinations are held and finally where they become graduates upon convocation. This is where all dignified ambitions were born.

DTC first held the convocation ceremony for the year 1965/66 session with 587 graduates receiving their first degree, masters and doctorate while 115 others received Diploma in Education.

University Malaya Library

The University Malaya Library (UML) consists of a main library, which provides library facilities for the whole campus. In addition, there is a network of branch and specialized libraries to meet the specific and particular needs of some faculties. To accomplish its mission of providing excellent collections to support learning, teaching and research activities of the university, the library has, through more than 40 years of existence, built up a substantial collection of monographs, periodicals, manuscripts, audio-visual materials and compact discs. To date, the collection consists of 1.3 volumes of monographs, bound journal and thesis.

Unprinted books and journals are kept in the form of microfilm. These are added with electronic source in CD-ROM and online database. The Microfiche Output Computer Catalogue enables any report to be seen clearly. The computer system is used to obtain and control serial items, member registration, library facilities, index and summary.

Being a component of the national knowledge network, UML has throughout the years adopted a policy of actively acquiring Malaysian materials. One of the library's greatest strengths lies in its collection of Malaysian in all subjects.

University Malaya Medical Center

The University Malaya Medical Center is a statutory body of the Ministry of Education. Its main objectives are to provide healthcare services of international standing and repute and also to provide facilities for medical education, training, research internship and consultancy. In 1961, the Board of Education, University Malaya proposed for a medical institution to be established so as to cater to the shortage of medical doctors in Malaya at the time.

In relation to this, the Faculty of Medicine was established to train medical doctors. The preliminary program was initiated in May 1964. On 2nd August 1965, The Honorable Deputy Prime Minister, the late Tun Haji Abdul Razak bin Hussein officiated the opening ceremony of the Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya and also laid the foundation stone for the then University Hospital Kuala Lumpur. In December 1966, construction of the Tower Block and the Hospital Podium was completed followed by a block for treatment care center activities, pediatrics ward as well as the maternity ward. University Hospital received its first patient in 1967 and was fully functional since then.

Rimba Ilmu (Botanical Gardens)

Rimba Ilmu or The Botanical Gardens was established in 1974 out of the need to study and conserve some of the immense diversity of plant life found in the Malaysian tropical rainforest.

The garden is on a valley site situated behind the Fifth Residential College on the University of Malaya campus. The valley has a small stream which feeds a wetland area before filtering out through the easternmost boundary. While fulfilling its essential 'collection and curatio' function, Rimba Ilmu also works towards promoting awareness of the natural environment through the utilization of its resources and support facilities by the University community and the general public.

Besides a general collection of species from a variety of plant families selected for teaching, special collections are being developed which include medicinal plants, wild orchids, palms, pandan, tropical fruit trees, gingers, aquatic plants, wild citrus relatives rare and endangered plants in need of conservation.

University Malaya Museum of Asian Art

The museum of Asian Art which was officially opened in 1980, is housed in a three-storey building situated between the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economics and Administration.

The Museum contains more than two thousand pieces of ceramics from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Japan, and India. It is already well-known for having the largest collection of 'kendi' water vessels in the world. Stone carvings and Islamic art collections (from Asian Countries), weaved materials and paintings by local artist, copper items, weapons and kites are also on display.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 9-Jun-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM 1.00

Stamp Size : 40 mm x 30 mm

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm x 100mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40mm x 30mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : Hazel Design

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 3.50

Stamp Booklet Value : RM 3.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00



POS Malaysia 9 Jun 2005, Thursday Press Release

STAMPS TO COMMEMORATE THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF UNIVERSITI MALAYA

Pos Malaysia Berhad (PMB) today launched new commemorative stamps and First Day Cover to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Universiti Malaya.

The stamps and First Day Cover were officially launched by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Professor Dr. Hashim Yaacob, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaya at Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya at 10.00am.

The stamps feature a collection of significant buildings in Universiti Malaya famous for their role in academic endorsement, namely, Dewan Tunku Canselor Universiti Malaya, Universiti Malaya Library, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Rimba Ilmu (Botanical Gardens) and Universiti Malaya Museum of Asian Art.

“Universiti Malaya was the first university in Malaysia. Pos Malaysia Berhad is proud to acknowledge this institution which has and continues to help to lay the foundations of the nation by producing generations of skilled and educated citizens,” said Dato’ Ikmal Hijaz Hashim, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad.

“With profound appreciation to Universiti Malaya for upholding the importance of education for personal and national development, we hope that this sense of achievement will also be felt by the public through the issuance of these stamps and First Day Cover,” he added.

The stamps, 40mm x 30mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on “SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper” and are available in three denominations:

• 30 sen – Dewan Tunku Canselor Universiti Malaya
  Undoubtedly the most renowned landmark of Universiti Malaya, this hall was named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj who officially opened the hall on 25th June 1966 and who was also the university’s Chancellor. Each year this hall has unfailingly greeted young blood, tests their knowledge in examination and proudly congratulates the successful ones in their convocation.




• 50 sen – Universiti Malaya Library
  Being a component of the national knowledge network for more than 40 years, the Universiti Malaya Library’s vast collection of reading materials focuses not only on academic purposes but also to support materials in all subjects that are related to Malaysia.




• RM1 – Universiti Malaya Medical Centre
  As a statutory body of the Ministry of Education, this centre provides healthcare services to the community as well as facilities for medical education, training, research internship and consultancy.

Also available is Miniature Sheet, 70mm x 100mm in size, at RM2 which features:

• Rimba Ilmu (Botanical Gardens)
  Established in 1974, this scientifically oriented garden was built from a 40-hectare of hilly areas of abandoned rubber estate for the need to study and conserve some of the immense diversity of plant life found in tropical forest. Since then it has worked towards creating an environmental conscious society.




• Universiti Malaya Museum of Asian Art
  Officially opened in 1980, this museum is well-known for having the largest collection of “kendi” water vessels in the world. It also showcases more than 2 thousand pieces of ceramics from various Asian countries.
  First Day Covers at 30 sen each, Presentation Pack at RM3.50 each and Stamp Booklet at RM3 each which contains 10 sheets of 30 sen stamps can be purchased at all Post Offices nationwide. Folder at RM5 each is only available at selected Post Offices.

Birds Of Malaysia Stamp

Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)

These birds are between 30cm and 31cm in size. The crown and the sides of adult's head are grey, have a grey-auburn tinge on the upper part and are long black broadly streaked, which are iridescent bordered. The nape of its neck is black spotted with white and have pinkish-brown underparts. In flight, they reveal the white tips of their outer tail feathers. The juveniles are of darker auburn, have duller grey crown and plumage on their wings. They lack colour on their collar / neck with small brownish dull yellow stripes and are common and widespread in open grassland and secondary forests. They are also found in scrub vegetation and gardens up to 2,040 metres. They breed all year round and are multi-brood. Their nest is a flimsy stick platform in a tree, tall bush or on bamboo cluster. They lay 2 or 3 eggs sized 26.9mm x 20.8mm on average.

Ochraceous Bulbul (Alophoixus ochraceous)

These birds are between 19cm and 22cm in size. The adults are puff-throated with small and short upright crest. They have warm brown upperparts with yellow absent from their lowerparts. They frequent evergreen forests up to 1,525 metres and are normally found in the mid canopy strata of the forest usually in pairs or small flocks. Their breeding period is between February and April. A typical clutch of two slightly glossy pinkish-white and almond red eggs measuring 25mm x 17.5mm are laid in deep cup-shaped nests about 2.4 metres from the ground. They are found in most of South-East Asia.

Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda)

These birds are between 40cm and 42cm in size. The males have reddish sides of head with black mandible. They have green crown, dull blue wings and pale -blue-green back with long blue-purple and narrow tail feathers. The females are with green nape, darker green crown and upperparts. They have dull ginger bill and dark green narrow band. Tail feathers are much shorter. Juveniles have pink face with duller green narrow band. The bird usually frequent open green wide leaves forest such as peat swamp forests, second growth, mangrove swamps and lowland areas. They breed between December and July laying 2 or 3 eggs sized 30.6mm x 24.7 mm and nest in holes in tall trees 4 metres to 45 metres above the ground. They are found in Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands and most of South-East Asia

White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)

These birds are between 21.5cm and 28cm in size. The head, breast and upperparts of the males are iridescent blue-black. the underparts are dark orange-rufous. The females are similar to the males but they are more greyish and duller with a reddish brown underparts. The juveniles have pale yellow blotchy upperpart with pale yellow spots on the wing plumage, wide pale yellow blotches are also present at the tips of their wings as well as their neck and they have a dark diluted yellow breast. They can be located in broadleaved evergreen and mixed deciduous forest, secondary forest and bamboo forest at a height of 1,525 metres. They are great bathers and their plumage is usually kept in immaculate condition. They breed between the months of March and September. Their nests are near cup-shaped, inside hollowed tree trunk or on bamboo culms about 2 metres from the ground and they lay 4 or 5 blue-green eggs. Their territory includes India, Southwest & South China, Greater Sunda and Southeast Asia.

Olive-back Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis)

These are very small birds, sized at about 11.5cm. The upperparts of a male are dull olive brown, metallic blue-black forehead, throat and upper breast (with red stripe edge), contrasting with bright yellow underparts and white undertail. The females have a decurved bill with all white tail. The bird is common in woodland, secondary forests, marshes, mangrove swamps, coastal scrubs, gardens and vegetations up to 915 metres. They build a flimsy hanging pear-shaped nest with an overhanging porch at the entrance between 1 metre to 9 metres above ground. They lay two greenish-grey or pure grey eggs speckled with light purple-brown or deep purple-brown spots sized at 16.6mm x 11.5mm on average. Found in the region stretching from southern Myanmar to Northern Australia and the Philippines.

Green-winged Pigeon (Chalcophaps indica)

These are medium birds at about 25cm in length. The male have blue-grey crown and nape with white forehead and eyebrow and red bill. They have iridescent metallic green mantle with white scapulars. head and underparts are vinous-pinkish. They also have two prominent white transverse bars on the rump. The females have duller grey crown. Young birds are darker with small yellowish brown stripes and unlike the adults which has greenish wings. These birds can be found in lowland dipterocarp forests and coniferous forests up to 1,500 metres. The birds would usually perch under tree cover and will scuttle quickly at the slightest hint of danger. The birds can be found in the Indian subcontinent (except Pakistan), China, Taiwan, Sunda Islands, Philippines, Peninsular Malaysia, Celebes, New Guinea, Australia, Vanuata, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

Banded Pitta (Pitta guajana)

These birds are between 21cm to 24cm in length. The male is easily recognisable for its black crown and black eye-stripes. There are bright yellow lateral crown-stripes and malar-stripes, which turns into reddish orange streaks, which are especially visible on its chest and the sides. While the female chests are white, they have grey lower belly. They have fine black stripes on the white feathers. Their upperback is reddish-orange but duller than the male. The young birds have dark brown chest with grey mottling or fine grey streaks. Banded pitta are endemic in virgin and logged lowland forests, up to 610 metres. The breeding period is from February until November and they lay 2 to 5 glossy white eggs. Their nests are round with an opening at the side built on palm trees or in between young trees about 3 metres above the ground. Their territory includes Greater Sunda, Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia.

Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea)

These are large plump pigeons between 42cm and 47cm. Their back, wings and tail are iridescent red-almond. They have dull grey-grape crown, neck and underparts, dark almond undertail coverts. They are mostly found near rivers, forages in small groups, feeding on plant material in the tree canopy and is recognised by its deep resonant call. They breed between the months of January and May, as well as September. Their nests are poorly constructed flat platform of twigs in a tree and sometimes on bamboo clumps about 10 metres from the ground. The female lays 1 or 2 white eggs measuring 45.5mm x 33.5 mm on average.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 14-May-2005

Stamp Value : 20 Sen; 30 Sen; 40 Sen; 50 Sen; 75 Sen; RM 1.00; RM 2.00; RM 5.00

Stamp Size : 25 mm x 30 mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : HudaCorp Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00

Songket, The Regal Heritage Stamp

This series of stamps feature beautiful designs and motifs that can be found on a Malaysian brocade textile called Songket. Songket is produced by inserting gold or silver thread in between silk or cotton weft or latitudinal threads of the main cloth. Once exclusive to the Malay courts, songket is now accessible to anyone who can afford it. Prices range from above one hundred to tens of thousands of Ringgit per piece, depending on the workmanship and material.

The motifs featured are very much nature inspired, from local flowers, fruits and plants. The use of spatial harmony, balance, rhythm, repetition, and sizes of the motifs express a high level of artistic achievement. The golden or silver thread used in the songket adds rich elegance and glamour to the design of the fabric.

It is still popularly worn by the Malaysian for important occasions, ranging from traditional rites to official ceremonies and functions. Current efforts are in progress to promote and instill national pride in songket and to further propel it to global status.

Pucuk Rebung Gigi Yu

Dubbed the bamboo shoot pattern, it has a very still, disciplined effect. Forming a wavy, indented edge like that of shark's teeth, it is one large, complex design of floral motifs. The overall effect is one of integration and harmony.

Bunga Bertabur Pecah Lapan

This scattered pattern of repeated motifs produces a beautifully harmonizing coverage, balance and visual beauty of the cloth. The flower motif has eight separated petals which meet in a distinct center.

Pucuk Rebung Gigi Yu dan Bunga Kayohan

Another bamboo shoot inspired design formed with gold threads. Rows of flower motifs are intricately patterned in the center. This design is very popularly used for the "kepala" of the songket cloth. It is a very distinctly traditional and uniform pattern that lends a majestic feel to the fabric.

Teluk Berantai Bunga Pecah Empat

This pattern can be woven in some ten distinguishable patterns. The solid chain (rantai) is woven in gold thread with floral motifs. The centers of the chain are filled with flower motifs with 4 separate petals to produce a softer, lace-like appearance.

Potong Wajik Bertabur

This simple scattered pattern creates great spatial coherence, balance and visual beauty with symmetrical motifs. This motif is inspired by the glutinous sweet rice cake called the potong wajik which is a popular Malay dessert.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 29-Apr-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM 1.00 ( Setenant )

Stamp Size : 30 mm x 40 mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30mm x 40mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : SPM Watermarked,Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : TV3(Creative Services Dept.)

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.50

Folder Value : RM 5.00

Traditional Dance Stamp

The expressive power of dance as an art form has endured for centuries, in many different parts of the world. Malaysia, with her rich intermingling of cultures, has a particularly rich and varied dance heritage.

Whether performed by Malays, Chinese, Indians, or by the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, each performance is a rich tapestry which weaves together exquisite costumes and equally delicate and expressive movements. Whether telling a story, celebrating a harvest, or celebrating life itself, the Dances Of Malaysia are among our most cherished cultural traditions.

Traditional Malay dances are steeped in history and legend. The Kelantanese Tarian Asyik is supposed to represent the flight of birds - and the fluid grace of the dancers, as they sway gently to the sound of traditional instruments such as the serunai, gambang and rebab, certainly takes the imagination on a flight of fancy. Equally mesmerizing is the Tarian Zapin, which has Persian roots and has now developed many forms across the states of Malaysia. One of the more intriguing variants is the Zapin Tenglu from Mersing, which depicts the ebb and flow of the tides and the lives of local fisherfolk.

Chinese dances, on the other hand, use simple props such as Fan, Umbrella, and Handkerchief as extensions of the dancer's own emotions. For instance, the fan is used to express joy and happiness. The umbrella is used primarily to express passionate feelings, either between a male and female or between an individual and his or her surroundings. Many Chinese traditional dances are an important accompaniment to key festivals, and are accompanied by the pounding of the gu (drums) and bo (cymbals).

Indian dances are many and varied; some express a more spiritual angle, others express the simple joys of village life. Indian dances can be divided into classical and folk styles. Of the seven classical styles, perhaps the best known is Bharata Natyam, mastery of which can take many years due to the many intricate hand, leg and eye movements which must be learnt in order to perform this time-honored and venerated dance in its full, unforgettable splendor

Kathak dance is another form of classical dance. The word Kathak is derived from Katha, meaning "the art of story telling". From its early form as a devotional expression dedicated to the Hindu gods, Kathak gradually moved out into the courts of the rulers.

Dances Of Sabah and Sarawak - perhaps the region of Malaysia which is most blessed with forms of dance from Sabah and Sarawak. The sheer variety reflecting the many different ethnic groups of the land. The Sumazau is often regarded as the state dance of Sabah. It is simple, yet graceful and evocative, as the dancers, clad in authentically Kadazan black velvet, sway like birds to the sounds of gongs. In the neighboring state of Sarawak, Datun Julud, a female dance of the Orang Ulu tribe of Sarawak is performed with typical grace and beauty with a distinct costume that include feathers that are attached to the hands giving the impression of birds in flight. The movement vocabulary simply focuses on changing weight from one leg to the other in an almost pedestrian manner making it earthbound while the use of the arms gives it a lifted and light impression. As for Kanjet Ngeleput, this dance is also from the orang Ulu tribe of Sarawak. The dance of a male warrior is largely improvised deriving and depicting the activity of hunting. The manner of placing and transference of weight is particularly interesting beginning with the heel and through the outside of the foot while the arms maintain a gentle swaying quality but is fairly straight.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 9-Apr-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM 1.00

Stamp Size : 40 mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm x 100mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40mm x 30mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 3.50

Folder Value : RM 5.00



POS Malaysia 9 April 2005, Saturday Press Release

TRIBUTE TO TRADITIONAL DANCES OF MALAYSIA

Pos Malaysia Berhad (PMB) today issues Special Stamp and First Day Covers on "Traditional Dance" on Saturday, 9th April 2005.

The Special Stamp and First Day Covers was launched by YB Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Minister of Urban Development And Tourism, Sarawak at Sarawak Tourism Auditorium Complex, Kuching. The beautiful stamps featured various traditional dances of Malaysia.

"Malaysia, with her rich intermingling of cultures, has a particularly rich and varied dance heritage" said Dato' Ikmal Hijaz Hashim, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad.

"Whether the dance is performed by different races such as the Malays, Chinese, Indians, or by the people of Sabah and Sarawak, each performance is unique and a rich tapestry which weaves together exquisite costumes and equally delicate and expressive movements. Pos Malaysia is happy to document the Dances of Malaysia as commemorative stamps as they are among our most cherished cultural tradition," added Dato' Ikmal.

The stamps, 40mm x 30mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 by using SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in the denominations of 30 sen, 50 sen and RM1. Pos Malaysia Berhad is also issuing First Day Covers at 30 sen each and Presentation Pack at RM 3.50 each. Miniature sheet, 100mm x 70mm in size, is available with a stamp in the size of 30 x 40mm at RM2.

Malaysian Made Vehicles - Gen 2 Stamp

Proton's commitment to Research & Development (R&D) and focus on automation addresses the challenge of a globalized industry. The new world class manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak provides Proton with additional production capacity of 100,000 cars a year to the existing 250,000 a year at the factory in Shah Alam, Selangor. The unique modular design vehicle platform in Tanjung Malim allows for mixed production of different vehicle types, giving Proton the distinctive capability to make anything from small cars to the larger Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV). The Gen2, which was the first model to drive off these unique production lines, is fitted with a homegrown engine, the CAMPRO, designed to incorporate other applications such as cam profile switching technology, variable valve timing and the use of natural gas. The Gen2 is now known in the market for its fuel efficiency. The R&D team is currently creating a new engine family of higher capacity to complement the CAMPRO.

With the right combination of technology and human innovation, Proton strives to achieve its dream of having Proton cars driven in every country around the world and its new spirit of Daring to Dare provides just the impetus.

The Proton's mark of pride found on every Proton car features a snarling tiger, displaying strength and courage, and symbolizing the company's boldness of competing in the highly aggressive world of international automotive manufacturing. Of the 11 car-producing nations around the globe, Malaysia, the smallest and youngest car manufacturer can today proudly lay claim to having successfully produced a car from scratch in only 20 years, half the time taken by other well-established names in the motoring world. The Proton Gen2 has concluded the full circle of the company's evolution - from car assembler to a full-fledged automotive engineering company thriving on Malaysian talent, innovation and technology. Its launch in February 2004 also marked the unveiling of the Proton Platinum logo - the molten tiger - to signify premier products and services pledged to all customers of Proton.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 7-Mar-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM1.00

Stamp Size : 40 mm x 30 mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm X 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : McCann Erickson (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Stamp Booklet Value : RM 3.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 2 March 2005, Wednesday Press Release

SPECIAL STAMPS TO CELEBRATE PROTON’S TRANSITION INTO A NEW ERA WITH GEN.2

In collaboration with PROTON Holdings Berhad, Pos Malaysia Berhad (PMB) is issuing special stamps and First Day Covers featuring PROTON Gen.2 to the public on Monday, 7th March 2005.

The special stamps and First Day Covers will be launched by YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, PROTON’s Advisor at the Perdana Leadership Foundation Auditorium, Putrajaya on 21st March 2005, Monday.

“PROTON Gen.2 is Malaysia’s first model to be fitted with homegrown CAMPRO engine and it signifies the evolution of PROTON from a vehicle assembler to a full-fledged world class car manufacturer. Pos Malaysia Berhad is pleased to acknowledge this accomplishment and the stamps are a tribute to PROTON’s achievement,” said Dato’ Ikmal Hijaz Hashim, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad.

Launched in February 2004, PROTON Gen.2 is the first new car model to be produced at PROTON’s new world class manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak. Its launch also unveiled the PROTON Platinum logo which signifies premier products and services pledged to all customers of PROTON. PROTON Gen.2 is now known in the market for its fuel efficiency.

Of the 11 car-producing nations around the globe, Malaysia, the smallest and youngest car manufacturer can proudly claim that is has successfully produced a car from scratch in only 20 years, half the time taken by other well-established automotive manufacturers. The stamps, 40mm x 30mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in the denominations of 30sen, 50sen and RM1. Miniature Sheet, 100mm x 70mm in size, is available with a stamp in the size of 30mm x 40mm at RM2. First Day Covers at 30sen each, Presentation Pack at RM4 each and Stamp Booklet at RM3 each can be purchased at all Post Offices nationwide. Folder at RM5 each is only available at selected Post Offices