CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed hopes that the close friendship enjoyed between Malaysia and China since 1974 would grow stronger.
He congratulated China for her remarkable growth at the 70th anniversary celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at Hotel Equatorial tonight.
Chow and many other guests were warmly welcomed by Chinese consul-general to Penang Lu Shiwei and his wife Liang Xiaohua to the party.
Among the dignitaries were Tan Kok Yew (Kedah state executive councillor and representative of the Kedah Chief Minister), Wong May Ing (Perak executive councillor and representative of Perak Chief Minister), Penang Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang and Perak Speaker Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham.
Others included consul generals, state executive councillors, assemblymen, heads of government departments, and leaders from the Chinese communities and political parties in the northern states of Malaysia.
“China’s remarkable growth for the past 70 years had successfully uplifted the livelihood of her people and greatly enhanced her influence and stature on the global arena,” Chow said in his speech.
“Since 2010, China has also emerged as the world’s second largest economy and her “Belt and Road Initiative” in recent years, attracted global attention as a platform for international cooperation.
“The close friendship formed between Malaysia and China since 1974 is based on mutual beneficial and continuous cooperation in the areas of trade, cultural exchange, education and tourism.
“The deeply rooted links between Penang and China will only further strengthen the ties between our two nations, which I believe, will be instrumental for the closer bonding of this friendship.”
Chow said while the global economy is currently engulfed in uncertainty, Penang did not rest on its laurels.
For the first half of this year, he said Penang attracted RM9.2 billion in investments for the manufacturing industry.
“While Penang currently reaps temporary gains as part of the outcome of the Trade War between China and the US, it remains my ardent wish that both sides could resume talks at the negotiation table in an effort to reduce uncertainty affecting the business community and the global market.
“At the same time, I am hopeful that relations between China and Malaysia as well as Penang, and the three northern states, will be based on a win-win principle for our mutual consultation, development and collaboration to meet the interests of all.
“This will further strengthen our level of cooperation especially in the exchange of technological knowledge which will boost not only economic growth but more importantly, the friendship of our two nations.”
Earlier, Lu said this year also marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
“Since the establishment, China-Malaysia relations have overall maintained a stable and rapid development momentum,” Lu said in his speech.
“China and Malaysia jointly build the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries
“China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years and the largest source of foreign investments in the manufacturing industry for three consecutive years.”
Chow and Lu later toasted to the continued friendship between the Penang government and the Chinese Consulate-General in Penang and also to the stronger ties between the two nations.
At the celebration, the guests were treated to some entertainment, including a dance performance from SMJK Jit Sin from Bukit Mertajam, and a good spread of food.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix and video by Law Suun Ting