The chief minister said Zheng He was stationed in Malacca on five of his seven maritime expeditions. He and his great adventures are well remembered not only in China, but also in Malaysia.
"Zheng He is accepted by all races in Malaysia," said Gan, "He was an envoy of friendship and peace."
To foster ties with China and attract Chinese investment and tourists, Gan was appointed by the state government as a special business ambassador to China and has been a frequent visitor to China since.
"Malaysia has actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative. And within Malaysia, Malacca is probably the most active participant," he said.
"The initiative has brought an historical opportunity to Malacca and we hope to seize the chance to regain our position as a major trade hub."
CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
For the state government, the building of a deep sea port will be the essential part of Malacca's revival and future development.
In 2016, Malaysia's KAJ Development announced that it would join hands with three Chinese companies, PowerChina International, Shenzhen Yantian Port Group and Rizhao Port Group, to build a deep sea port as part of Melaka Gateway.
Melaka Gateway is a mega project that also includes residential, commercial, cultural, entertainment and lifestyle elements on reclaimed islands.
"Building the deep sea port is not only about building the port itself, it's about building and carving the future of the nation," said Idris.
"This deep sea port is going to be one of the many other development like the Maritime Industrial Park, ship building yard, and the free trade industrial zone," he said. "All of these are going to be related and associated with the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road."
Noting that Singapore and other Malaysian ports exist nearby, Gan said Malacca's port would focus on the supply and replenishment of passing vessels. Meanwhile, Malacca is in close contact with China's southern Guangdong province to jointly develop a maritime industrial park.
Michelle Ong of KAJ Development said she expected the Melaka Gateway to transform Malacca's economy.
"We are building a new eco-system that would bring in hundreds of companies and will transfer the weekend economy into an all round economy," she said. "This is good for Malacca."
NEW GATEWAY FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Meanwhile, Malacca government's effort to attract Chinese investment is already bearing fruit.
Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited, a major supplier in the industry, invested 200 million U.S. dollars in 2015 to build its first production base outside China in Malacca. Production started within a year and the company is investing another 200 million U.S. dollars in the second phase to expand production.
"This will not only cater to the demand of Malaysia's domestic market, but more importantly it will become an export base for the foreign market," said Zha Xuesong, the group's vice president.
The business friendliness and the efficiency of the state government is a major factor for Xinyi to invest, he said.
Chief Minister Idris has more ideas on his plate. He wants Malacca to become a new gateway for future Chinese trade and investment to Malaysia as well as to the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
He believes that prosperity will return to Malacca. "If the glorious days could happen 600 years ago, why not now? And I strongly believe Malacca will be the entry point of trade from China into ASEAN and I strongly believe former glory will return."
