Ties with Malaysia to hit new heights, says ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR: China-Malaysia relations will flourish to new heights, says China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian (pic).

This was based on his observations during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s official visit to China in August when he accompanied the Prime Minister throughout the visit.

“Dr Mahathir visited China in his first official visit as the new Prime Minister. He met with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

“I have a strong sense that the leaders (of both countries) are satisfied (with the relations) and they intend to carry forward the long- term friendship to new heights in all fields,” he said at the flag-off ceremony of the MalaysiaChina Youth Friendship Programme yesterday.

Sharing his experience with the participants of the programme, Bai said he attended a meeting between the Chinese and Malaysian leaders and listened to their in-depth exchange of ideas on how to further enhance ties between China and Malaysia.

“The May 9 election saw Malaysians waking up to a new govern- ment. We do not interfere in internal affairs of other countries.

“In fact, we welcome and respect the decision of the people of Malaysia,” he said.

His statement came despite several reviews and the suspension of China-linked mega projects after Pakatan Harapan won the general election. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, when tabling Budget 2019 on Friday, said that the suspended East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) was pending renegotiation of the cost of the project.

He said the cost of the ECRL could go up to RM81bil, instead of RM55bil announced earlier.

Lim said last month that four rounds of negotiations were held between Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and the Chinese project contractor – China Communications Construction Co Ltd but no agreement was made on how to lower the cost of the ECRL.

He said details of the negotiations must remain confidential, pending a final decision on the project.

In July, the government suspended for all contracts related to the China-linked Multi-Product Pipeline (MPP), the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP) and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) projects.

These projects were awarded to China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau.

Meanwhile, 36 students from local universities, who started a visit to Beijing yesterday, will have the opportunity to learn from China through the Malaysia-China Youth Friendship Programme.

Organised by the Chinese Embassy and the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, Bai said the eightday programme aimed to further strengthen the friendship and understanding between youths of both countries.

“Youths are the leaders of tomorrow, they are the future.

“Therefore, young people should be part of the foundation of the good relations of between the two countries,” he said.