KUCHING: Newly appointed Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to China Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said his biggest wish was for China and Malaysia to create a brilliant future together.
He said it was his fervent hope that both China and Malaysia would quickly recover after winning the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, putting back on track inter-governmental friendship and people-to-people exchanges to promote economic and trade development cooperation.
“The exchange and cooperation between us in culture, arts, economic growth will undoubtedly bring both countries to another level,” he said in a statement to thank Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for his trust in him with the significant appointment.
“With this appointment, we will begin untiring efforts through mutual cooperation to further enhance the friendly relationship between Malaysia and China in time to come,” he added.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said Malaysia had been China’s largest trading partner in Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in the past years, once exceeding US$ 111 billion in bilateral trade volume, and a record high.
However, with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic this year, the global economy would certainly be greatly affected and Malaysia would not be spared.
Once the Covid-19 pandemic was over, he hoped both countries could focus fully on economic developments and undo the damage from the epidemic to restore the lives of their populace.
“Since 2013, the Chinese President Xi Jinping has presented strategic ambitions of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
“Malaysia has officially been dubbed one of the main centres of the BRI partner network.
“By establishing a constellation of political, economic, cultural and education cooperative relationships, a pro-business environment is created to bring mutual benefit to both countries’ enterprises, with a win-win development opportunity for both parties to launch a common prosperity,” he added.
Tiong said in the current changing times, his role as special envoy would be even more vital and influential, and he would do his best to complete and carry out the duties entrusted to him by the government.
“In the days to come, I will strive to bring our nations closer than ever. Whether in diplomatic relations, trade, economy, or humanitarian assistance between us, I will strive to play a key role in mutual communication to bring about mutual beneficial results,” he added.
With greater mutual cooperation between the country’s government agencies, civil society and other groups, he said, “We will launch the warm relations between Malaysia and China towards new milestones, working together to create innovative symbiosis, and create a collective force greater than its sum to benefit both peoples”.
“At the same time, we will strive to create more opportunities in the future, particularly in investment and business for East Malaysia, especially Sarawak.”
