BEIJING, Nov 14 (Bernama) — Bilateral relations between Malaysia and China is on the right track and more cordial despite being jeopardised by certain parties’ following the Flight MH370 tragedy, which have somewhat affected ties between the two countries.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to China, Datuk Iskandar Sarudin said the strong relationship was supported by a majority of the Chinese people, who wanted the relationship normalised as soon as possible.
“The ties between the two countries are affected initially as emotions ran high as a result of speculation played by certain parties through the internet. The local media however, was positive.
“The people’s perception has changed, infact, ties between Malaysia-China is getting better. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s presence at the Apec meeting in Beijing on Monday further strengthened the relationship,” he said when met at the Beijing airport to welcome the arrival of Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, here, last night.
As Commander of Territorial Army Regiment 504 based in Bukit Keteri Perlis, Tuan Syed Faizuddin is leading the Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES) delegation representing seven Malaysian public universities (IPTA) in an Academic and Strategic Warfare study trip to military camps and universities in Beijing from today until Nov 17.
Also in the tour are Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Vice Chancellor, honorary Colonel (K) Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Fauzi Ramlan as UPM PALAPES Commander and Rector of University Technology Mara (UiTM) Perlis, Major (K) Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Redzuan Abdul Rahman, who is UiTM Perlis Commander.
Other IPTAs in the delegation are the University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Iskandar said trade between the two countries was improving while the presence of Chinese tourists in Malaysia was also increasing. As of October this year the figure rose to nearly one million tourists.
“The openness and firm stand of the Malaysian government on the flight MH370 issue and Malaysia’s earnest desire to resolve the issue was much appreciated by the Chinese government,” he said.
He said other issues including the Malaysian bird’s nest issue which had been resolved, was proof of the Chinese government’s commitment in mending relations with Malaysia.
On bilateral trade, he said a comprehensive bilateral strategy for a five-period from 2013-2017 expected to reach RM160 billion, is on track and has so far achieved RM110 billion.
According to Iskandar a lot could be learned from China, including aspects on civil defence and volunteerism as China was very successful in driving youth group.
“These groups usually arrive ahead of the regular teams, in times of disaster. Their ability to assist rescue efforts can be adapted in Malaysia.
“During the Apec conference last Monday 15,000 volunteers were mobilised to help in running the event smoothly, disciplining the public and maintaining cleanliness,” said Iskandar.
— BERNAMA
