Beijing-KL ties brighten with Anwar’s visit

Building ‘guanxi’: Anwar, who does not hold any government post in Malaysia, was received by Wang in Beijing last week. This reception was seen as ‘extraordinary’ by observers. — AFP

PREMIER-in-waiting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Beijing last week has laid the groundwork for Chinese leaders to understand the new Malaysia better, and for him to build up guanxi with the superpower.

His visit, on the invitation of Beijing, has spurred optimism that Malaysia-China bilateral ties can become more stable and warmer, after Kuala Lumpur suspended three China-linked projects amounting to RM90bil.