KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a testament to the new government’s pro-business policy and continuation of efforts to strengthen the friendly relationship between China and Malaysia.
Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) president Tan Yew Sing said Tun Dr Mahathir had clarified on the new government’s plan to review all major projects undertaken by the previous government, including China-funded projects, but that did not mean that it would put a halt to them.
“The prime minister has announced his support for China’s BRI, and this timely clarification of position reiterates the new government’s pro-business policy and the continuation of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
“His (Mahathir’s) statement not only clarified the situation for our local enterprises, but is also a reassuring news for Chinese enterprises,” Tan said in a statement.
Prior to the 14th general election, Dr Mahathir pledged to review China-funded projects in the country, especially the East Coast Rail Link project, causing uneasiness among the Chinese investors and rising an ‘anti-China’ fervour.
Meanwhile, MCCC said it hoped the new government would further develop economic and trade activities between Malaysia and China.
“Before the general election, the MCCC delegation paid a courtesy call on Dr Mahathir, and the two sides exchanged views on issues related to Chinese capital and education.
“Dr Mahathir stressed that he is not against Chinese capital, and that the close relationship he had established with China when he was in office then is a clear proof of that,” Tan added. — Bernama