BEIJING: Malaysia's PKR leader and Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to China has shown that the relationship between both countries has not been affected by the negative bilateral issues as speculated, said an expert in international affairs.
Prof Zhai Kun (pic) of Peking University's School of International Studies pointed out that Malaysia and China shared a long and cordial friendship and this would not be easily broken.
He disagreed with speculations that the Chinese Government was pinning its hopes on Anwar, who is viewed as the Malaysian Prime Minister-in-waiting, after failing to change premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's stance on several issues, including the recent deportation of a group of Uighur illegal immigrants.
"Such speculations sent a wrong message, accusing China of not cooperating with Dr Mahathir any more and befriending whoever is in favour of the nation, this is not something that China will do.
"It also will instigate the relationship between Dr Mahathir and Anwar, causing a more chaotic political situation in Malaysia," he added.
Anwar arrived here on Monday (Oct 22) night at the invitation of Renmin University to give a talk on "The Rule of Malaysia and the Future of China-Malaysia Cooperation" on Wednesday (Oct 24).
During his stay, the Port Dickson MP had a meeting with Chen Yuan, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) - a political advisory legislative body generally known as the upper house of China.
He also attended a luncheon hosted by Song Tao, who heads the International Department, central committee of the Communist Party of China, and met with medical experts for a check-up.
To a question if Anwar would become the 8th Malaysian Prime Minister, Zhai Kun was positive.
"He had been the Deputy Prime Minister previously, he has the experience and capability.
"As of now I do not see any obstacle to stop him," he added.
Wu Xuelan, a political analyst and senior researcher with the Communication University of China, has emphasised that Anwar must maintain a good relationship with Dr Mahathir to see himself rising to the premiership.
She said the "scandalous" record of Anwar, who had been previously convicted and pardoned for sodomy, would not be a huge obstacle for him.
"The overwhelming support for him at the recent Port Dickson by-election has shown that the people did not view this as important.
"Moreover, some people still have doubts over its 'authenticity', believing that the charges and allegations were a form of political assassination carried out on him," she added.
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