PETALING JAYA: China's ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian (pic) hopes that his successor will complete his three unfinished tasks here, as he ends his tenure next month.
He said that the unfinished tasks were the shooting of a film celebrating Malaysia-China friendship, establishing an international Chinese school and setting up an upscale Chinese tea house in Kuala Lumpur.
During a farewell dinner hosted by the Malaysia-China Friendship Association (PPMC), Bai Tian said that he hoped his successor and the Embassy would look into completing the three projects.
"For the film, everything is ready from the script to casting of actors and actresses, as well as sponsors including Robert Kuok of the Kuok Group and Tan Sri Koo Yuen Kim of the Perfect Group," he said, adding that filming was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This film will introduce Malaysia to the 1.4 billion Chinese citizens, and help bring more tourists to Malaysia," he said.
Bai Tian added that an international Chinese school was needed as there were about 100,000 Chinese nationals who were either working in Malaysia or staying under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, and their children needed to go to school.
As for the high-end Chinese tea house, Bai Tian said that it should come complete with private spaces.
He also said that he had seen changes in the Malaysian government under three prime ministers and three ruling coalitions during his three-year stint that began in November 2017.
Bai Tian said that the Barisan Nasional administration had long-forged ties of friendship with China and added that he had gained many friends during the Pakatan Harapan era, while many of his old friends returned under the new Perikatan Nasional coalition.
"It surely is an unforgettable experience for any diplomat," he said.
Bai Tian described Malaysia- China bilateral relations as solid, with great potential for further enhancement and development and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would remain strong despite the changes in the Malaysian political landscape.
"However, there is still plenty of room for improvement of mutual understanding between the people of both countries," he said.
He said Malaysia was well known for its Musang King durian, and Malaysians were known for their hospitality.
Meanwhile, PPMC President Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan described Bai Tian as a humble ambassador who genuinely promoted friendship between both countries and their peoples.
Bai Tian even hosted a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Embassy, he said.
Abdul Majid said Malaysia had maintained its friendly policy towards China since they established diplomatic relations in 1974.
Also present at the dinner were Political counsellor Yu Jun, Press and Public Communication counsellor Tang Tang, secretary to the ambassador Yang Shuo and secretary Zhang Yaqi.
Association members present included Life Honorary president Tan Kai Hee, vice-presidents Tan Sri Tang Yeam Soon and Zulkifly Zakaria, secretary-general Tan Keng Kang, deputy secretary-general Ng Chin Long, treasurer Datuk Bong Hon Liong, deputy treasurer Datuk Seri Chuah Poh Khiang, and committee member Datuk Sim Tiak Choo.
PPMC also presented a portrait of Bai Tian to him drawn by artist Gan Tee Sheng as a farewell gift.
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