Insights | Former Malaysian ambassador:The CPC leads China on new journey
By Gan Tian
(ECNS) --"The record of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been very excellent. I'm sure with the wisdom of the party leadership, this will continue to be so," said Dato Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, former Malaysian ambassador to China and president of Malaysia-China Friendship Association, in an exclusive interview with China News Network recently.
Valuable achievements of the CPC benefiting China
The CPC has a long history of struggles and achievements, which could be "valuable lessons for its future direction," stated Majid when talking about the major achievements and historical experience of the CPC over the past century.
As this year celebrates the 103rd anniversary of the CPC's founding, Majid noticed that the contribution of the CPC over the past years has been positive, particularly in the early days in establishing the People's Republic of China and later on China in the new era.
"So these are very valuable achievements, and also one could learn some experiences," he said.
Majid also mentioned that various policies by the CPC have created "a phenomenal development" in China, which is quite a record in terms of poverty alleviation, increasing China’s economic global status as well as maintaining global peace and development.
Looking into the future, Majid pointed out that though global geopolitical situation today is very uncertain, China is ready to meet challenges.
According to Majid, first of all, China has well-established resources and gained a lot of experience over the past years.
Secondly, he believes that the wisdom of Chinese officials and leadership will "carry China forward".
Lastly, the most important thing, Majid said, is "the innovation that China puts into its economy, into its policy that actually brought further strength for China in many years to come."
New chapter on China-Malaysia cooperation to be open
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship.
During the interview, Majid expressed hope that the CPC and Malaysian political parties will continue to strengthen inter-party exchanges and political mutual trust, so as to promote vigorous development of Malaysia-China relations.
Reviewing the footprint over the past 50 years, Majid noted that economic ties between Malaysia and China have been strengthened, and people-to-people exchanges become more indispensable.
For example, Majid mentioned that the visa-free policy further has enhanced personnel exchanges; Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) has brought high-quality higher education resources to Malaysia; and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which connects the east and west coasts of Malaysia, can promote local development.
"These are very fundamental, very strategic cooperation examples with China, which gives us good experience on how to proceed with more projects in the future," said Majid.
50 years passing by, Malaysia and China enjoy a time-honored traditional friendship. Majid hoped the two sides will continue to deepen political mutual trust, jointly promote high-quality "the Belt and Road" cooperation, and usher in a "new chapter" of the bilateral relations.