MELAKA: Melaka will serve as the host for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations established since 1974, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
He said he had sent a letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier to seek the Federal Government's approval for Melaka to be selected as the host for the celebration, considering that the state had established relations with China over 600 years ago.
"That's why I proposed to the Prime Minister to hold the 50th anniversary celebration of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations in Melaka. It has been generally agreed upon, and we have received a letter from the Foreign Ministry to propose the celebration events," he told Bernama.
Earlier, Ab Rauf received a courtesy call from Bernama chairman and Star Media Group advisor, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, at his office in Seri Negeri here on Monday (March 25).
Commenting further, Ab Rauf said Melaka is very famous among Chinese tourists as it is depicted in the history books of the country during the five visits of Admiral Cheng Ho to the state.
"The history books of China (studied from elementary school to university) show Admiral Cheng Ho's route to Southeast Asia. He came to Melaka five times, so any Chinese leader who comes to Malaysia must set foot in Melaka.
"There are Chinese leaders who come to Malaysia, they take sand from Melaka and put it in a bottle, they take it back... (that's) how they appreciate the history between Melaka and China that began 600 years ago," he said.
Meanwhile, Wong said Bernama is committed to supporting all efforts undertaken by the Melaka state government in the tourism sector including the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties, Visit Melaka Year 2024 (VMY2024), World Tourism Day, and the World Tourism Conference 2025 which will also be held in Melaka.
"I asked some Chinese tourists on Jonker Street (in Melaka) last night, and they said they are more familiar with Melaka than Kuala Lumpur.
"For them, Melaka is a historical and very important city, and in conjunction with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, many events will be organised, so we assure that Bernama and other media will support the state of Melaka," he said.
Malaysia officially established diplomatic relations with China on May 31, 1974, becoming the first Asean country to extend a hand of friendship to Beijing. – Bernama
