Wong (fifth right) presenting a gift to Zhu as Fu (fourth right), Lu (sixth left) and others look on. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The stable relationship between China and Malaysia has been attributed to the efforts and initiatives of past Chinese consul-generals in Kuching and their counterparts here.
“The consul-general of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching and the past consul-generals have become the ‘bridge’ to connect the state and China in efforts to promote various bilateral collaborations and interaction,” said Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is also Minister of Local Government and Community Development.
He made this remark when speaking at a dinner themed ‘Cultures of China Festival of Spring’ to welcome a cultural troupe from China at the old State Legislative Assembly building in Petra Jaya on Monday.
He said Malaysia and China had close ties in many aspects like trade, education and cultural exchange.
On the cultural performance at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday, Wong said it helped to strengthen the friendship between Sarawak and China apart from celebrating Spring Festival.
“Although the overseas Chinese are away from China they do not forget their roots. They continue to practise the Chinese culture here,” he said.
Also present was consul-general of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Fu Jijun, who said China and Malaysia were good neighbours, good partners and good friends.
“The two countries have been maintaining frequent exchanges in various fields. The visit of the Chinese art troupe to Kuching during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration is an important part of cultural exchanges between China and Sarawak and Malaysia at large,” he said.
“I strongly believe that the art troupe’s visit and performance in Kuching will be pleasant to Sarawakians and inject new vitality to the cultural exchanges between China and Sarawak and Malaysia at large,” added Fu.
He also said the Federation of Kuching and Samarahan Division Chinese Associations had been playing an important role in promoting the exchanges between China and Sarawak in various fields.
“Members of the federation, especially its president Temenggong Lu Kim Young, have been making great efforts and hard work in meticulously preparing for the visit and the performance of the art troupe in Kuching. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to them,” he said.
“I would also like to express my special thanks to Mr Liao Zhi Guo, president of China-Malaysia Friendship Association in Sabah for his special contribution to the troupe’s visit to Malaysia,” he said.
Amongst those present were the cultural troupe head Zhu Liu and The Federation of Kuching and Samarahan Divisions Chinese Associations president Temenggong Lu Kim Yong.