PENANG is lauded as the best place to visit and is described as a ‘second home’ for outgoing Hungarian ambassador to Malaysia, Attila Kali.
In a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the latter’s office in Komtar today, Kali pointed out the state holds a special place in his heart.
He praised Penang for its cultural diversification and rich heritage value.
“Whenever I come out from Kuala Lumpur, the state of Penang is like my second home.
“It is a unique place coupled with its beautiful streets attracting people to visit.
“This will be my last official visit here and I hope my successor will keep up the good work after this,” Kali said during his courtesy call in Komtar.
He said it was time for him to return to his native land after serving five years in Malaysia.
He added that a lot of remarkable feats had been achieved during his five-year tenure.
“It is time now for my family to be back home after five years. I definitely have a memorable memory of this place,” he said.
He added that the Hungary president Janos Ader is also expected to visit the country in future.
Touching on the Covid-19 crisis, Kali noted the predicament by certain businesses and described it as a challenging time ahead.
Chow said the state had been providing stimulus packages to the people.
“We are unsure the full impact of the pandemic at the moment but we are keeping a close watch.
“In fact, the tourism sector in the state has started to buzz again as more people have returned to visit Penang,” he said.
Chow was also looking forward to welcome the Hungary president to the country and hoped Penang could be part of his itinerary.
At the end of the session, Chow and state Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin exchanged souvenirs with Kali.
Also present was honorary consul of Hungary for the northern region Datuk Seri Damien Chua Wei Kee.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis