Dr M in the spotlight over China visit

PM yet to arrive but foreign and local media are already keen on details

BEI J ING: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to China has garnered overwhelming interest from the media, both foreign and local.

Since news of the Prime Minister’s official trip was announced by the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday, The Star bureau and the Malaysian Embassy here had been swarmed with calls from Chinese journalists for details of his visit.

Foreign correspondents, including those from Asean countries, Japan, Pakistan, Britain and the United States, have also shown great interest in meeting the world’s oldest leader, who is well known for being incredibly energetic.

The interest increased when the Pakatan Harapan government revealed plans to drop several Chinese-backed infrastructure projects, including the East Coast Rail Link.

China Report Asean chief editor Tan Xingyu said he was looking forward to Dr Mahathir’s visit.

He said news reports on Malaysia’s plans to cancel the joint mega projects led to perception that bilateral relations between both countries had turned sour.

“But after some studies, and having considered the response from the Malaysian side, I think it’s otherwise.

“I believe this issue will not cause much damage to our friendship,” he said.

Tan, however, said certain statements made by the Pakatan government earlier had somehow soured the good reputation of Malaysia in the eyes of the Chinese.

“There are some anti-Malaysia voices on the Internet and the Chinese government is under public pressure,” he said.

He hoped that Dr Mahathir would explain further the Malaysian government’s stance, so that future plans could be mapped out for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The Chinese government is also anticipating Dr Mahathir’s arrival.

Referring to him as an old friend of China, China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Dr Mahathir’s visit would bring bilateral relations to new heights.

Besides the media practitioners, fellow Malaysians based in China are also eager to meet their Prime Minister.

Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (Maycham China) chairman Will Fung said some 500 Malaysians would gather in the capital for a dinner with Dr Mahathir.

“They are from all over China, including Shanghai, Chengdu and Kunming, with some coming from as far as Hong Kong,” he said.

During his five-day visit to China beginning tomorrow, Dr Mahathir will meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.