Huang leaving ‘beloved’ M’sia today
Chinese ambassador bids farewell after serving for four years in country.
KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Huang Huikang bids farewell today after four years as China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, leaving his mark as the most high-profile foreign diplomat ever to be based in the country.
His exposure in the local media is something that other diplomats could only envy but came quite naturally given the phenomenal boost in bilateral ties between the two nations in the 1,390 days that he was China’s main man here.
It also coincides with what he calls the “diamond 40 years’ anniversary” of diplomatic ties initiated by Malaysia’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak with the legacy strengthened by his son Datuk Seri Najib since he became Prime Minister in 2009.
“The bilateral relations are now at their best in history besides being in the forefront among Asean countries’ ties with China,” Dr Huang said at a farewell dinner he hosted here last week.
China’s foreign direct investments with and in Malaysia have resulted in such ventures as the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park and a similar park in Kuantan, the Melaka Gateway, East Coast Rail Link, Geely-Proton cooperation, Digital Free Trade Zone and other flagship projects.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for eight consecutive years with bilateral trade volume reaching US$ 100bil (RM424.2bil).
It has also become the largest source of foreign investment in manufacturing, the main construction contractor and one of the largest sources of foreign tourists to Malaysia.
Dr Huang also spoke of the arriv- al of China’s iconic pair of giant pandas, now a major draw at Zoo Negara, and the joint effort by both countries in facing the tragedy of Malaysia Airlines’ Flight MH370. The majority of the 239 people on board were Chinese nationals.
“I am lucky to have witnessed a great leap forward in ChinaMalaysia relations in the past four years. I have travelled through all the 13 states of Malaysia and met many friends from all walks of life, feeling the strong will among the people to strengthen cooperation between China and Malaysia,” he said.
Dr Huang has also chalked up many accolades during his stint here, including recognition as the Best Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Best Friend of Malaysia, Best Friend of the Chinese Community and Best Friend of Chinese Education.
During the farewell dinner, another title was bestowed on him, the BrandLaureate Diplomat Award, presented by its president Dr K.K. Johan.
“As a veteran of diplomacy, I have left my footprints almost everywhere in the world but apart from my motherland, Malaysia has been the most beloved for me,” he said in a voice choked with emotion.
“I will remember my experience in Malaysia. Wherever I will be, I will be your friend forever and continue to do whatever I can to consolidate China-Malaysia relations.” — Bernama