Recognizing the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence.

Whereas Malaysia is a multi-religious and multi-racial democracy in Southeast Asia that is important to the United States' strategic interests;

Whereas Malaysia is one of the United States’ key allies in efforts to combat international terrorism, and it condemns all terrorism, regardless of its cause or objectives;

Whereas the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has condemned those seeking to incite race and religious hatred, including anti-Semitism;

Whereas Malaysia has taken a leading regional role in counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics in Southeast Asia, through intelligence sharing, close cooperation in law enforcement, participation in joint exercises and training, and other cooperative efforts with its neighboring countries and the United States;

Whereas Malaysia is the United States’ 10th largest trading partner, and the two countries have signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement;

Whereas Malaysia has consistently been a favored destination of American investment due to its competitive advantages, including good infrastructure, a highly-trained, educated, and multilingual workforce, and a business-friendly government;

Whereas the Malaysian Constitution guarantees gender equality, and the many accomplishments of Malaysian women evidence Malaysia’s commitment to the advancement of women’s social, economic, and legal status;

Whereas Malaysia was ruled by the United Kingdom until 1957;

Whereas Malaysia gained independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1957; and

Whereas August 31, 2007, is the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence, as well as the United States-Malaysia relationship: Now, therefore, be it