China envoy: Govt support allows Chinese to thrive

ALOR STAR: The government’s strong support, along with peace and stability, have allowed the state’s Chinese community to build a good base and foundation.

China ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang said this after he spent an hour strolling the streets in Pekan Melayu-Pekan Cina, Jalan Sultan Mohamad Jiwa, Sungai Petani, yesterday.

Huang, who was on a two-day visit to Kedah, said he was happy to see different races coexisting in harmony.

“The businesses, temples and mosques coexist in this town.

“Chinese vernacular schools are not only attended by Chinese students, but also students of other races,” he said after visiting SRJK (C) Kee Chee here.

He said a RM60,000 token would be given to four primary schools — SRJK (C) Sin Min, SRJK (C) Pei Shih, SRJK (C) Boon Teik and SRJK (C) Kee Chee.

His visit to Kedah was longplanned after Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah invited him to visit the state.

“I accompanied Sultan Abdul Halim when he was the Yang diPertuan Agong for a state visit to Beijing and Hangzhou, which is my hometown.

“Upon our return to Malaysia, the sultan extended an offer for me to visit Kedah,” Huang said.

He said his visit was a gesture of appreciation to the state government and the people’s commitment in strengthening bilateral ties between Malaysia and China.

He hoped the cordial relationship between the countries would attract more investors and tourists from China to Kedah.