Serving up national emblems

 

By Flg-Off Simon Paton
The UNMISET experienced a significant transition recently, with the departure of Singaporian Maj-Gen Tan Huck Gim and the arrival of Malaysian Lt-Gen Datuk Pahlawan Khairuddin Mat Saad as the Force Commander of PKF in East Timor.

Australian forces played a unique role in recognising the occasion with the provision of pre-dinner snacks and entertainment to farewell Maj-Gen Tan and to welcome Lt-Gen Khairuddin.

Significantly, the decision was made to farewell the general with a multinational food fair, which included unique Australian cuisine. Kangaroo and emu meat were marinated, cooked and presented during the ceremony.

For Australian cook Pte Kelly Beith, currently stationed at Battalion Group Rear (BGR) in Dili, it was a curious experience:

“Cooking these two meats is a little like cooking deer,” she said.

“But for me, the irony was that we were serving up our national symbols. This might come as a surprise to the new Force Commander.”

Flt-Sgt Adam McDonald, who assisted in the preparation and presentation of the meats, said Lt-Gen Khairuddin appeared to enjoy the delicacies.

“Yes, he did find the irony in the situation but appeared to enjoy the cuisine immensely,” he said.

Lt-Gen Khairuddin will remain Force Commander in East Timor until the withdrawal of PKF in 2004.