KOTA KINABALU: Sabah looks forward to renewing and sustaining cooperation withC hina in three crucial areas namely tourism, human capital development and harnessing natural resources.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said Sabah was fortunate to be both a beneficiary and an active participant in the fruitful relationship between Malaysia
and China that was established nearly half a century ago.
“The large volume of our commodity exports from Sabah to China and the large number of Chinese tourists who came to visit Sabah before the pandemic is a testament to this,” he said at the 48th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Malaysia and China and 10th Anniversary Celebration cum Installation of the Executive Committee of Malaysia – China Friendship Association Sabah at Kian Kok Middle Schoolhere on Saturday.
The Chief Minister’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima
Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
According to him, Malaysia and China’s close diplomatic ties established 48 years ago
were meaningful given that it took real courage for both countries to step forward and make the historic step.
“But we have seen the fruits of this bold move. China is now Malaysia’s largest trading
partner, and Malaysia ranks near the top of China’s trading partners in Southeast Asia,”he said.
“Looking ahead, I think there are at least three areas where the crucial cooperation between China and Sabah could be renewed and hopefully sustained.
The first is, not surprisingly, in tourism. Both Sabah and China are endowed with natural beauty and rich cultures.
“We should open up more direct flights and cruise lines to enable our people to visit. The pandemic has halted the momentum for increased tourism.
When China eventually opensi its border in the near future, we hope to see more visitors from China and vice-versa.
“We look forward to welcoming back the Chinese tourists to Sabah,” he said.
Hajiji said the second area was in capacity building and in particular human resources.
.
“Many Sabah students and technical personnel look forward to more opportunities and
scholarships for studying in China’s universities and training institutes. We also welcome China’s students and technical personnel to study in our universities and training institutes.
“In fact, Xiamen University has already built a large campus in Malaysia, and we welcome
more China universities and training institutes to set up their branch campuses here in
Sabah. By taking part in the educational experience of both countries, we will see better
integration and closer cooperation in many areas,” he said.
As for the third area of cooperation, he said it should not only be about how to harness
natural resources for short-term development.
“It should instead be an opportunity for all of us to work together in a greener fashion, of preserving our natural heritage such that we do not further induce climate change on the
one hand, and still be able to undertake much needed developments that could improve
the sustainable livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Commending the Malaysia – China Friendship Association Sabah, the Chief Minister said
it was heartening to note that the association has been working tirelessly to complement
the efforts of Malaysia and China, including the Sabah State Government to enhance the
relations between Sabah and China, especially at the grassroots level.
“The various cultural, educational and commercial exchange activities undertaken by the
association involving both Sabah and China, spoke volumes for the association’s important role in the Sabah-China link. I hope this significant bridging role will continue,”he said.
Hajiji hoped the association will continue to work closely with the Sabah State Government to enhance bilateral relations.-pr/BNN
