Wee: Sino-Malaysia ties should be strengthened

The close relations and friendship between Malaysia and China should be strengthened and preserved, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“I have conveyed to China’s ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian that Malaysia, as one of China’s largest trading partner, will ensure that the friendship between the two nations will continue to be strengthened,” said Dr Wee in a Facebook post yesterday.

“Both the embassy officers and the government staff of both countries as well many other sectors continue to have mutual respect for one another,” added Dr Wee, noting that both nations will continue to collaborate in all aspects.

The Chinese ambassador’s visit to the Transport Minister’s office in Putrajaya reflected the support China has for Malaysia in facing the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Wee said.

Dr Wee stressed that the cooperation between the private sectors in the development of transportation infrastructure will benefit the country and will realise Malaysia’s intentions to become a developed country in the industrial field.

“We hope all mutually-developed projects can be planned in the near future for the benefit of the rakyat and the country,” he added.

“At the same time, Bai Tian also agreed that Malaysia is the main choice as a logistics hub for the region due to the country’s multiconnectivity in terms of transport as well as a geographical factor and a viable manufacturing sector.

“He is confident that Malaysia will see a huge change in the transport landscape that will be modernised further,” he added.

Dr Wee also thanked Bai Tian for his assistance in expediting the arrival of 30 million face masks, 100 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 140 ventilators to Malaysia.

“Previously, Malaysia had extended its help to China in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now it is China’s turn to provide its full support to Malaysia during these challenging times,” he added.

Also present during the meeting were ministry secretary-general Datuk Isham Ishak, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Kamarulzaman Zainal and representatives from an international locomotive manufacturer, China Railway Rolling Stock Corp.