Farewell M’sia, until we meet again
Former Chinese envoy hopes for a heart-warming reunion in the future
ONCE again, I leave through the gate of the Chinese Embassy, quietly embraced by its symbolic crimson wall. Once again, I admire the sky- rocketing Petronas Twin Towers in all their splendour.
Once again, I am overwhelmed by the bustling traffic on Jalan Tun Razak and greeted by the familiar, day-to-day street views.
Everything seems to remain the same, yet for me it is anything but, for I am now on my way with my family to KLIA, where a flight back to China awaits. For a moment, I am consumed by a myriad of feelings welling up in my heart as memories flashed through my mind.
It is fair to say that Malaysia and I go way back. My ties with Malaysia was predestined early in the days when I was still working in the Foreign Ministry of China in Beijing and I had visited Malaysia quite a few times. But when I set my foot on Malaysia’s soil some three years ago, it marked the beginning of my journey as a Chinese ambassador – an “extraordinary and plenipotentiary” title I carried with much honour and responsibility.
The past three years have witnessed a fair share of challenges, such as the vicissitudes of Malaysian politics and the sudden strike of Covid-19.
Nevertheless, no matter how the world changes, China-Malaysia friendly cooperation remains unchanged. The mutual trust between China and Malaysia has become stronger, the prospect of our cooperation broader, the quality of our cooperation higher, and the resilience of our bilateral ties stronger.
Deep down, I know that part of my heart will always remain here, no matter where life may take me. I will always remember Malaysia by its ravishing islands, by its unique charm of different ethnics and cultures living in harmony.
And I will remember that sense of responsibility and mission when I had pleasant discussions with Malaysian political and business leaders about China-Malaysia cooperation, that feeling of joy at the relaunching ceremony of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project.
I will remember the excitement in my heart when the first cargo of frozen wholefruit Musang King departed for China, and I will remember how Xingxing and Liangliang, the two giant pandas in Zoo Negara, won the affection from Malaysian children.
I will also remember the moment when I made dodol with my Muslim friends at the first-time-ever Hari Raya open house hosted by the embassy and when I celebrated what I called “the longest Chinese New Year in the world”, enjoying the signature tossing of yee sang.
But there is more to remember, like the moment when Malaysian friends from all walks of life devoted funds and supplies actively to China when Covid-19 hit Wuhan; the moment that Malaysian friends chanted “Wuhan Stay Strong”.
And I will never forget the perseverance and courage in the eyes of healthcare workers when I handed over donations of medical supplies to Hospital Kuala Lumpur and other places.
There are too many unforgettable moments that testify my unbreakable bond with Malaysia. I will take all the precious memories with me, and leave my gratitude and appreciation here.
The curtain may have fallen on my role as the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, but the story of China-Malaysia friendship and cooperation continues.
I will always save a place in my heart for Malaysia, the Malaysian people and China-Malaysia friendship and I will continue to make contributions to our bilateral relations. It is a pity that I did not have the chance to visit all the states in Malaysia during my term in office. But maybe this is really a blessing in disguise. It means that I should come back again someday.
Just as a Chinese saying goes, every end is a new beginning. The departure today may be the beginning of a heart-warming reunion in the future.
Goodbye dear Malaysia, until we meet again!