KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 – Malaysia-China relations are currently at their best and can be further strengthened through cooperation that benefits the people of both countries, according to an academician.
Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni of the Faculty of Law and International Relations of Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UnisSZA) Dr Wan Rohila Ganti Wan Abdul Ghapar said Malaysia, which has had diplomatic relations with China for the past 50 years, does not need to get involved in disputes between China and the United States.
“We do not want to see China as an enemy due to political ideological differences; that issue needs to be set aside. China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner and friend, so how can we ignore such a significant partner?
“So I think for the future, any political leader after this needs to continue streamlining and strengthening relations with China.
“Always extend our hands, create space for trade by providing as much room as possible, for example, friendly tax breaks to China because ultimately, our people will benefit,” she said when interviewed on the Apa Khabar Malaysia programme on Bernama TV, Friday.
According to Wan Rohila, based on a survey carried out by the Merdeka Centre, it was found that Malaysians’ acceptance of Chinese investment in the country is very good.
She said that fair and transparent cooperation is the key to ensuring that the interests of both parties are well maintained.
“China has indeed shown rapid progress in the field of technology and economic development.
“They (the Chinese) have become leaders in several fields, including in technology and development, as well as green industry. This shows how important it is to not only acknowledge their progress but also learn from their experiences,” she said.
She added that the exchange of knowledge and technology between Malaysia and China could greatly benefit both countries.
“The opportunity to learn from China’s successful development model and apply it in the Malaysian context is important for the economic and social development of the country.
“In addition, sustainable development and environmental protection are also important. China has shown commitment to green development and reducing environmental impact, and this is something Malaysia can also learn from and implement,” he said.
Wan Rohila said that making China the primary reference in several development areas is a wise move, but it is also important to ensure that the partnership is mutually beneficial and adheres to important values and principles for both countries.
