KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government welcomes China’s Belt and Road Initiative and looks forward to working together with China in achieving win-win cooperation, enabling more projects to be realized in the State and in matching development strategies.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman said the relationship between China and Sabah had developed rapidly in recent years.
“We hope to welcome more tourists and investors from China for sightseeing and investment,” Musa said in his speech at the 68th anniversary reception of the founding of the People’s Republic of China here yesterday.
His speech was delivered by the Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
The event was graced by the Head of State Tun (Dr) Haji Juhar Bin Haji Mahiruddin and Toh Puan Hajah Norlidah binti Tan Sri Datuk RM Jasni.
In recent years, Musa said China’s economic development had grown rapidly and the country had become a role model for nations that were committed to realizing development within their own capabilities.
As the world’s second largest economy, he said China’s development model and path had brought the world’s attention.
“China has demonstrated to the world the image of a responsible big country, which proposes development in peace and adopts the principle of mutual benefit and win-win strategies which are welcomed by most countries.
“Such an approach is even more crucial in this day and age when the world is facing rampant unilateralism, extremism and national egoism.”
Musa said the friendship between China and Malaysia had a long history, tracing back to the establishment of a diplomatic relationship over 40 years ago.
He said the comprehensive strategic partnership between both countries had led to maintaining a good momentum of development, and was now in the best period of history.
“This has been achieved through various efforts and by focusing on similar visions such as in sustaining peace, harmony and development.
“Such efforts have led to logistic collaboration in various fields, thus setting a good example in the region of friendly cooperation between two nations which mutually benefits the people of both countries.”
Musa also acknowledged the good work done by the office of the Consulate General of China in Kota Kinabalu.
He said the consulate continued to facilitate efforts in relation to education, culture, tourism and trading.
“It has further strengthened the relationship between Sabah and China and ensured mutually beneficial collaboration.
“The State Government shall continue to provide support and assistance to your office on your future undertakings.”
Also present at the event were State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Syed Abas Bin Syed Ali, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minsiter Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah and Datin Mary Wong, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, Deputy Speakers of the State Legislative Assembly Datuk Johnny Mositun and Datuk Dr Johnson Tee, Pairin’s wife Puan Sri Genevieve Kitingan, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide and Deputy Consul General, Zhang He, Senator Wilfred Yong, Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) president Tan Sri Andrew Liew, SUCCC Superivsory Committee chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Chong Nyuk Yong, SUCCC deputy president Datuk Ling Tiong Chai, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) vice president Datuk Lau Kok Sing, MCCC Sabah branch president Datuk Frankie Liew, Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui, Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) president Datuk Seri Winston Liaw, Sabah Dong Zong chairman Datuk Jimmy Yong, Kota Kinabalu Hokkien Association president Datuk Clement Yeh, Asia Times proprietor Datuk Tiong Tan Hua and KTS Trading Sdn Bhd Sabah area operation manager Wong Kee Mee.