Gearing up for grand finale

Man of the hour: Ahmad Zahid (centre) is on his first official visit to China since being appointed as Deputy Prime Minister in December 2022. — Bernama

Embassy in Beijing abuzz as DPM’s visit caps jubilee celebration

BEIJING: The Malaysian embassy here is buzzing with activity as staff members rush to put the final touches on preparations for the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral ties.

They are now poring over the final details of the itinerary for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who arrived here yesterday afternoon.

Beijing is the last leg of Ahmad Zahid’s 11-day trip to China, which had taken him to Hong Kong and Shanghai.

“It has been a whirlwind for us. There may still be some minor adjustments to the Deputy Prime Minister’s schedule as we go along,” said an official from the Deputy Prime Minister's office to members of the Malaysian media here.

This is Ahmad Zahid’s first official visit to China since assuming the post of Deputy Prime Minister in December 2022.

Ahmad Zahid, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis and Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, was welcomed at the World China Hotel by Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad, along with Malaysian officials, delegates, embassy staff and Malaysian media representatives.

Ahmad Zahid is expected to hold a discussion with the Malaysian consulate-general in Beijing, delegation and media members in a pre-council meeting today before attending his official events.

Delegates and officials are excited as they gear up for this significant chapter in Malaysia-China relations.

A ministry official said the Beijing leg of the visit will serve as the grand finale of the golden jubilee celebration of bilateral relations between the two nations.

The official said the Chinese side will host a luncheon for Malaysia in collaboration with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) on Friday, where Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang will be present.

“For Malaysia, the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing is organising a gala reception on the same evening, with our Deputy Prime Minister as the guest of honour.

“These events hold great significance for us, especially the gala night. We aim to showcase the best of Malaysian culture through food, cultural performances and warm hospitality.

“We strive to deliver a memorable evening that will remain etched in the memories of our guests,” said the official.

According to another official, Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, is slated to visit several high-tech facilities and institutions to explore potential collaboration between them and their Malaysian counterparts.

“All I can say is that a very favourable education collaboration is on the table, from which thousands of Malaysian students undertaking TVET education will benefit.

“Ahmad Zahid is doing a lot to promote TVET education among our younger generations,” he said.

In the next few days, Ahmad Zahid is set to pay a courtesy call to China Premier Li Qiang.

He will also hold discussions with Ding and meet Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong.

A gathering with the Malaysian community in China will also be on Ahmad Zahid’s timetable as part of the Malaysia Madani government initiative.