SABAH FASCINATES CHINA'S POWERFUL MAN

CHINA'S fourth ranking leader is impressed with Sabah's natural beauty and the goodwill of its people. Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Jia Qinglin said aside from enjoying Sabah's nature, his entourage was also greeted with great hospitality.

"China and Malaysia have always enjoyed very cordial ties and our relations has never been as sound as today," he said during a meeting with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman at a leading hotel in Kota Kinabalu recently.

Jia who was on a 2-day visit said Malaysia was the first country to establish diplomatic ties with China when Tun Abdul Razak was Prime Minister.

"Both Prime Minister Najib and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin have made successful visits to our country and our Premier and Chairman have come to Malaysia. This has forged an even stronger friendship," he said.

He said both Malaysia and China also enjoyed close business and trade relations, adding that Malaysia was the third country after Korea and Japan to engage in bilateral trade amounting to almost RM100 billion.

He said cooperation has been productive in areas such ad trade, tourism, science and technology.

Jia also acknowledged Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman and extended his message for closer ties and cooperation with Malaysia to the latter.

"We are here to promote peace and development for the mutual benefit of China and Malaysia," he said.

Meanwhile, Musa said the role played by former Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak in establishing diplomatic ties with China could not be overstated.

"It has paved the way for cooperation in many areas, promoting trade and investments that has led to economic growth. We, in Malaysia are also happy to see that our present Prime Minister has not only continued with this tradition but he has further strengthen ties between the two countries," he said.

He said Sabah and China could stand to gain from closer relations and greater cooperation in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

"In terms of tourism, the links between China and Sabah has been established.

We have received many visitors from China and hope they will continue to come,"he said.

He said the State Government would like to see more China airlines come to Sabah, thus increasing connectivity between the state and destinations in China.

Musa also said the numerous construction companies from China that have undertaken road and bridge projects in Sabah have done a good job in terms of quality and meeting deadlines.

Jia and his entourage of about 100 comprising nine Ministers, senior government officials and business people left for New Zealand. (DE)