Special envoy Tan Kok Wai looking forward to building close ties to China

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's newly minted special envoy to China Tan Kok Wai aims to forge closer bi-lateral ties with China by capitalising on strong historical ties between the two nations.

"It is a challenging task for me.

"My goal is to see that the two nations look at ways to maintain cordial relations that was established through diplomatic ties in 1974.

"There has been remarkable progress since then," he said when contacted by The Star on Monday (Aug 13).

The Cheras MP, whose appointment was effective on Aug 1, also said that he will look towards history between China and Malaysia to further strengthen ties.

"We are looking at organising Cheng Ho 2018 international gathering here.

"Beside inviting scholars, we will also extend invitations to leaders from 27 countries that Cheng Ho has sailed to," he said.

He said Melaka would likely be the venue for the prestigious event.

Admiral Cheng Ho, or Zheng He, made Melaka once of his maritime base during his epic expeditionary voyages between 1405 and 1433.

He was said to have visited Melaka five times during his seven voyages from China to as far as Africa.

Asked if he would accompany Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his trip to China, Tan said this has yet to be confirmed.

Tan's appointment comes amid newly formed Pakatan Harapan Government's review of several mega projects funded by Chinese state owned companies.

The projects included East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and a pipeline project.