KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri T.C Goh, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), has described the half-century of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, as growing ever closer and stronger, since both nations evolved from the “ice-breaking journey” to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.
As the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaches, he hopes that the governments of both countries will eventually implement long-term visa-free policy for mutual visits.
“This would complement the “five connectivities” under the Belt and Road Initiative—policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and closer people-to-people ties—further enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations,” he said.
He also suggested that following the success of the existing “Two Countries, Twin Parks” (the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park), the governments of both countries could explore establishing more bilateral industrial park cooperation projects, at suitable and potential locations, to promote economic and trade investment cooperation.
He also hopes that the governments of both countries will agree to extend the stay of the “goodwill ambassadors”- the two giant pandas “Xing Xing” and “Liang Liang,” at the National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur.
Goh, who is also the Executive Chairman of the Malaysia-China Business Council (MCBC), expressed this in a statement today in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
He recalled that the “ice-breaking journey” by former Prime Minister Tun Razak 50 years ago successfully led to the signing of a joint communiqué with then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai on May 31, 1974, officially establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“Our country was also the first ASEAN nation to establish diplomatic relations with China. Since then, the relationship between the two countries has been unbreakable and increasingly close, opening a window for China-ASEAN relations. Over the years, China and ASEAN have consistently maintained the largest trade partnership with each other,” he pointed out.
While noting that Malaysia and China established a “comprehensive strategic partnership” in 2013 and jointly implemented the “Malaysia-China Economic and Trade Development Plan,” Goh hopes that this series of plans can continue to adapt and innovate to accelerate bilateral economic and trade development.
He further noted that since taking office, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has visited China twice, achieving fruitful results. Currently, Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Zahid Hamidi is also meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing in conjunction with the diplomatic anniversary, bringing news of a series of strategic cooperation and bilateral joint planning projects beneficial to both countries.
“We warmly welcome the upcoming visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia and eagerly look forward to the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia,” he said.
He reiterated that as always, Huazong will continue to uphold government policies and steps to maintain and strengthen cordial relations with the Chinese government and people.
Goh also disclosed that to celebrate the diplomatic anniversary, Huazong, entrusted by the China Overseas Exchange Association and the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, will host a grand cultural performance at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on June 13, to further enhance bilateral ties between the two countries. The event has also garnered co-hosting support from 11 major Chinese associations in Malaysia, becoming one of the significant cultural celebrations marking the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Goh, who is also the President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), revealed that Huazong, through FCAS will host the “FCAS International Dragon Boat Race” from June 7 to 9, as one of the events celebrating the diplomatic anniversary.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Goh expressed earnest wish for everlasting Malaysia-China friendship and greater achievements in the future.-pr/BNN
