KUALA LUMPUR: The gala dinner for the 47th Asean Summit took a heartwarming turn tonight with a surprise celebration of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 80th birthday.
Taking Lula’s arm, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim escorted him to the stage, where the hall erupted into applause and a lively rendition of the birthday song.
Clad in a purple batik shirt, the president was joined by his wife, Rosângela, on stage to cut the birthday cake.
After cutting the cake, Lula and Anwar left the stage together to greet Malaysian ministers, including Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Among the others were Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
The gala dinner was enlivened by performances from Malaysian songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, veteran musician and composer Datuk M. Nasir, and singer Dayang Nurfaizah.
Earlier in the day, Lula shared his joy about reaching the milestone age.
“I just turned 80 today and I feel really great. I hope to live until 120. I am a bit sad, because I did not see anyone bringing me presents.
“I will go to the dinner tonight as if I am a Malaysian, and looking like a Malaysian too,” he quipped at a press conference.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
