Festive greetings: (From left) Star Media Group group CEO Chan Seng Fatt, Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau, Ouyang and his wife Song Xiaomei, Johari and his wife Puan Sri Noraini Mohd, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (fourth from right) and Media Chinese International Ltd group editor-in-chief Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang (second from right) at the embassy’s Chinese New Year reception at Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur. — KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Cooperation between Malaysia and China has demonstrated how respect and constructive dialogue can transform bilateral ties into a partnership that benefits the region, says Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The Dewan Rakyat Speaker said Malaysia-China relations also play a vital role in strengthening ties between China and Asean, of which Malaysia is Chair this year.
“We have shown how mutual respect and constructive dialogue can transform bilateral ties into a partnership that benefits our people and the broader region.
“The Belt and Road Initiative, for instance, has paved the way for infrastructure development and economic opportunities across Asean, with Malaysia serving as a key gateway for Chinese investments,” he said during a Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy yesterday.The reception was attended by various government leaders, diplomats, academicians and the media.
Johari said this year marks a significant milestone as Malaysia commemorates 51 years of diplomatic relations with China.
“What began as a historic step in 1974 blossomed into a comprehensive strategic partnership built on trust, mutual respect and shared aspirations,” he said.
Johari also said that over the decades Malaysia’s ties with China have expanded into various sectors.
“China has been our largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. From robust economic collaboration to vibrant people-to-people exchanges, our partnership continues to serve as an exemplary model for Asean-China relations,” Johari added.
With Malaysia assuming the Asean chairmanship, he said the country will lead 671 million people in the region with a combined gross domestic product of US$3.8 trillion.
“Asean, being the fifth-largest economy in the world, must take on new roles and responsibilities to navigate the complexities of our time,” he said.
“To achieve this, Malaysia will champion the principles of Asean centrality, which places our region at the heart of peace, security and economic cooperation.”
Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, who was also present, said last year was a milestone in China-Malaysia bilateral relations.
He added that last year saw bilateral trade hit a record high of US$212.04bil, an increase of 11.4%.“China remains a major source of foreign investment,” he said, adding that 3.8 million Chinese visited Malaysia last year, more than double the previous year.
“I believe that Malaysia, as Asean Chair, will successfully steer its leadership in fostering regional cooperation – and promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity – under the theme of inclusivity and sustainability.”