Dr Mahathir’s visit to China good for closer ties — China consul general

KUCHING: China’s Consul General in Kuching Cheng Guangzhong believes the current working visit of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to China will enhance closer rapport between the two nations.

The Chinese diplomat expressed confidence that the working visit of Dr Mahathir to Hangzhou, China will herald a new chapter for the bilateral relationship between China and Malaysia.

“Despite Dr Mahathir’s age of 93, he visited China to promote the bilateral relationship between China and Malaysia.

“This should also help promote the collaboration between China and Sarawak in terms of education development,” he said before Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, launched the Kuching Chung Hua Middle School (CHMS) No.1’s 60th anniversary dinner on Saturday.

Cheng said the educational and cultural exchange efforts between China and Sarawak will intensify as both China and Malaysia work on fostering closer ties.

He noted that China is also offering scholarships to students from several countries including Malaysia, and the number of scholarships keeps on increasing.

He also hoped that more and more students of CHMS No.1 will take this opportunity to pursue tertiary education in China.

“The Chinese Consulate in Kuching will play our role to serve as the bridge between Sarawak and China besides offering further financial assistance, if possible.

“We look forward to further collaboration and enhanced bilateral relationship between China and Malaysia as well as China and Sarawak for mutual benefits,” added Cheng.

Also present were CHMS No.1 Alumni Association chairman Lucas Yong and organising chairman Peter Ho.