Centuries old ties renewed in modern era

Malaysia's first astronaut will visit the International Space Station on board a Russian spacecraft in early September, just a few days after the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence this Friday.

Dato' Syed Norulzaman, the Malaysian ambassador to China, said he was very proud of his country's space program, adding that it is a big boost to the advances made by Malaysia in the area of science and technology.

He said the space program was just one of Malaysia's many great achievements since it gained independence (from the British) in 1957.

"Malaysia is a country that has achieved remarkable progress, politcally, economically and socially. Our economic growth has been positive for many years, and our politics stable," Norulzaman told China Daily. "We have a multiculture society living in peace and harmony."

What's more, "Malaysia is playing an important role in ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), encouraging regional cooperation among member countries within the organization, and with countries in East Asia such as China," the ambassador said.

Besides achievements based on agriculture, Malaysia has successfully diversified its economy, with manufacturing, tourism and energy as its main sectors, said Norulzaman, adding that the private sector is an engine of Malaysia's economic growth.

In his opinion, both China and Malaysia are developing rapidly, "the two economies complement each other in the export market."

For example, 70 percent of China's palm oil imports come from Malaysia, while the latter imports Chinese machinery, as well as its electric and electronic products.

Trade between China and Malaysia has developed rapidly, the ambassador noted. Bilateral trade in 2006 amounted to $37 billion, and reached $20.6 billion between January and July this year.

Norulzaman said he was optimistic about bilateral trade in 2007 surpassing $40 billion, and added that the target of reaching $50 billion by 2010 is likely to be met earlier.

He also mentioned some economic cooperation projects between the two nations, including Malaysia's Penang Second Bridge - to be built by China Harbor Engineering Co Ltd - and a Shanghai gas project under which Malaysia will provide China with natural gas for 25 years, worth $25 billion.

In southern Malaysia, two new economic development regions have been opened for foreign investment, where Chinese and other foreign developers and investors are welcomed to participate, said Norulzaman.

Meanwhile, more and more Malaysian companies are investing in China in sectors such as public utilities, water treatment, waste management, and power generation. By the end of 2006, the cumulative Malaysian investment in China totalled $4.2 billion, according to the embassy's record.

Long-term friendship

"China is growing, Malaysia is growing, and ASEAN is growing. We need to help each other and should be participants of group economy. It's not a zero-zero game. We do not view China as a threat, but as a friend, and with its rise we see more opportunities," Norulzaman said.

He said Malaysia cherished its friendship with China. "China and Malaysia's long friendship spans not just the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974, but dates back 600 years, when Cheng Ho (or Zheng He) visited Malaysia."

Cheng Ho was a Chinese admiral in the Ming Dynasty, who led seven major voyages (1405 - 33) to East Africa, Arabia, the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia - the earliest extensive naval expeditions in world history.

The Malaysian ambassador, the ninth diplomat to hold the position since 1974, said his country's close cooperation with China and the exchange of high-level visits were proving beneficial for both nations.

Following Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Malaysia in December 2005, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi attended the China-ASEAN summit in Nanning last October.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence and create greater awareness about the country among the Chinese, a variety of events are being held in Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou.

"Malaysia as a tourism destination is good value for money." Norulzaman said. Tourists can enjoy its wonderful cuisine, great shopping options, and choose a memorable holiday destination from among the nation's many beaches, jungles and sunny islands.

Tourism paradise

In 2006, 440,000 Chinese tourists visited Malaysia. The figure for January to March this year was 174,000, a 50-percent increase year-on-year. Norulzaman said he estimated about 700,000 to 800,000 Chinese would tour Malaysia in 2007, based on the number of visas issued this year.

However, the number of Malaysians visiting China is far higher. "We want a kind of balance," the ambassador said. "Last year alone, Malaysian tourists to China numbered 1 million." He hoped more Chinese tourists would visit Malaysia, for the country was an ideal holiday destination offering a multicultural experience and glimpses into different life styles.

"In fact, Malaysia is not only an ideal place for a holiday but also an ideal place to live," he said, mentioning the Malaysia My Second Home Program.

Under the program, people from around the world, who fulfill certain criteria, can come to Malaysia for long-term stay on a social visit pass with multiple entry visa. The social visit pass is initially valid for a period of 10 years and subsequently renewable.

Good luck, Beijing

Norulzaman, who was appointed ambassador to China in March 2005, said he enjoyed being in the country.

"In fact I hope I can stay here longer," he said. "Beijing is busy and interesting."

He has traveled to many places across China, all of which impressed him in different ways.

"I will be very glad if I am invited to take part in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing next year," he said, praising the smooth progress of preparations for the Games.

"It is great that the Olympic Games will be held in China. As an Asian, We are proud that it will be held in Asia and we congratulate Beijing for hosting the Olympic Games," Norulzaman said.

(China Daily 08/31/2007 page21)