KUCHING: An international photo exhibition in conjunction with the 70th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was launched at The Spring Shopping Mall here yesterday.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, in his text of speech read by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said that China is an economic miracle that grew from obscurity to an economy which was worth more than 90 trillion Yuan in 2018, which ranked second in the world.
“The Chinese civilisation that came into existence more than 4,000 years ago is a civilisation that has endured until this day.
“After many dynasties that ruled ancient China, the birth of China as a Republic came about on October 1, 1949. Mao Zedong (1893-1976) solemnly declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at Tian’anmen in Beijing seventy years ago.
“Over the period, the PRC with its strong and visionary leadership has overcome numerous obstacles towards nation building. This ancient civilisation took on a journey along the road to modernisation that has greatly improved the lives of its people and greatly enhanced China’s international status and influence,” he said.
The People’s Republic of China in Kuching deputy Consul-General Zhang Yang was present at the launching ceremony.
Met by reporters after the event, Sim said, “We (Sarawak) have no regrets in establishing a diplomatic relationship with China over the years and we hope that it will continue to flourish as there are so many things that can be done under the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative whereby we share the prosperity with our neighbours.
“The government-to-government relationship has already been established since 1974 but the leaders come and go, whereas it is binding in people-to-people relationship.”
Sim noted that China has set up its first foreign university campus, Xiamen University in Selangor and hoped that Sarawak would be the second state to have a Chinese university campus.
Also present at the event were Sarawak-based Chinese association leaders and the Chinese community.
Those present later attended a movie premiere entitled ‘My People, My Country’ at MBO Cinemas.
