KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans’ friendliness and sincerity have become an unforgettable memory for the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie.
Chen, who left Kota Kinabalu yesterday, admitted that she had developed a deep affinity for Sabah because of the friendly people here.
“I have said this many times. Sabahans are very sincere and friendly. Beautiful sceneries can be found in many parts of the world. But what makes Sabah unforgettable is the friendliness of the people.
“I thank all Sabahan friends for your blessings. And I will carry on my journey in foreign affairs with your friendship,” she said before boarding the plane back to China yesterday.
Chen had served as the first Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu for 891 days since January 30, 2015 until her transfer back to Beijing yesterday.
Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Datuk Dr Johnson Tee, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah and Datin Mary Wong, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Zhang He, Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president, Datuk Michael Lui, Kota Kinabalu Hokkien Association president Datuk Clement Yeh, and many from the Sabah Chinese communities were present at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to bid farewell to Chen.
Chen said she had felt strongly about the Chinese consulate in Kota Kinabalu because it was her first time heading a consulate.
“The consulate is like a baby, growing from nothing till what it is today. Since the inception of the consulate, I have also become good friends with many from the local communities,” she said.
She hoped that Sabah and the people in the State would move towards an even better future.
Additionally, Chen hoped that the friendly ties between Malaysia, Sabah and China at the government-to-government and people-to-people level would be further enhanced.
“I am very confident of that because my team and the incoming Consul General will do an even better job than me. The future will be even better,” she said.