SERDANG: Tan Sri T.C Goh, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), expressed his enthusiastic anticipation and warm welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Malaysia next year.
This was following the personal invitation extended by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim to President Xi during his current visit to China.
Goh recalled that the last official visit by Pesident Xi to Malaysia was in October 2013.
“Being able to arrange for another visit after 12 years is certainly a reason for excitement for both the governments and people of Malaysia and China, and it is a long-awaited piece of good news,” he said.
He also noted that during His Majesty’s meeting with President Xi, the King even cited the significant Chinese phrase “sharing both hardships and blessings” to describe the close, comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, which is both fitting and meaningful.
Goh, who is also President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) expressed this in a press statement, after hosting a delegation led by Wang Yongjun, Vice President of the Shaanxi Overseas Friendship Association, at the Huazong headquarters. Also in attendance were Xu Haifeng and Wang Chunxiao, Executive Council Members of the Shaanxi Overseas Friendship Association, Sun Bin, a second-level researcher from the Shaanxi Provincial People’s Congress Standing Committee, and several overseas Chinese business leaders. Representing Huazong were its Secretary-General Datuk Dr Wong Aik Loung, Standing Committee member *Dr Teh Peng Hong,* Central Committee Members Dato’ Lee Teck Hua and *Oh KK* , among others.
Goh expressed his admiration for Sultan Ibrahim for conducting his first official visit to China since his ascension as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 31st, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. Sultan Ibrahim also included two Chinese ministers namely, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Nga Kor Ming, Housing and Local Government Minister in the delegation, demonstrating the high importance that the King and the government placed on the visit.
“This is also the first visit to China by a Malaysian monarch in the past 10 years. Sultan Ibrahim’s four-day visit to China, which began on the 19th of this month, is of great significance!” said Goh.
On another note, Goh remarked during the exchange session that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, and both governments have implemented visa-free policies.
“In addition to tourism and family visits, exploring business opportunities is also a key reason for mutual visits, and Chinese tourists are warmly welcomed in Malaysia. In fact, they represent the largest number of foreign tourists from outside ASEAN,” he said.
He said that most Malaysian Chinese trace their ancestral roots to coastal provinces in China, such as Guangdong, Fujian, and Chaoshan. Their ancestors left behind many touching stories as they cultivated and developed beautiful Malaysia, and these stories are well documented and displayed in Huazong’s Malaysian Chinese Museum.
He also encouraged Chinese investors to come to Malaysia to invest and conduct business.
*Wang Yongjun: Deeply impressed by the strength of Overseas Chinese.*
In his speech, Wang, Vice President of the Shaanxi Overseas Friendship Association, acknowledged that during this trip, which was his first visit to Malaysia, he felt the strength of overseas Chinese.
He said that after learning about the struggles of Malaysian Chinese and the history of Huazong, he was deeply moved and expressed his respect for the Chinese community in Malaysia.
Wang also disclosed that he had previously visited Guangdong and Fujian provinces, where he learned about the contributions of overseas Chinese. For example, after China’s reform and opening up, 70% to 80% of foreign investments in Guangdong came from overseas Chinese.
He noted that while there are fewer overseas Chinese from Shaanxi, they can still make unique contributions to overseas Chinese affairs. Shaanxi, particularly Xi’an, can play an active role as a ‘cultural bridge’, given its strong ties to traditional culture.
“In addition to this visit and exchange, we also wish to invite Huazong’s leadership to visit Shaanxi more frequently,” he said.-pr/BNN
