CHINA A GOOD FRIEND AND PARTNER, SAYS AMBASSADOR

By Vincent Low

BEIJING, Jan 2 (Bernama)-- Having successfully completed his five-year tour
of duty, Malaysia's Ambassador to China Syed Norulzaman Syed Kamarulzaman
described China as a good friend and partner of Malaysia.

He said China is also an important country in the world as after adopting a
policy of reform in 1978, China has developed into an economic powerhouse in
Asia and is influential globally.

Syed Norulzaman, who officially retires from his diplomatic career in the
foreign ministry in December, 2009, said Malaysia-China relations during his
tenure as very good, thus making his stay in the country smooth and rewarding.

"It is a privilege for me to end my career in China, not only is China a
good friend and partner of Malaysia but is now also an important country in the
world," said Syed Norulzaman.

"Relations between the two countries have grown tremendously, fast and
substansively in many areas. I am not saying it is because of my contribution,
but it happened during my tenure.

"There is constant exchange of visits by leaders and heads of state of the
two countries over the past five years.

"I am glad to be have been able to witness and organise the visit of two
Malaysian kings, former King Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail's state
visit to China and the present King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's special visit
during the Beijing Olympics last year."

"Even former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi attended a number of
important meetings here like the BOAO Forum in 2005 and also the China-ASEAN
Summit in 2006 while Prime Minister Najib Razak made an official visit in June
2009."

Highly appreciating Najib's gesture of making China his first country to
visit outside Asean after taking over as prime minister, China's president Hu
Jintao made a reciprocal visit to Malaysia in November last year.

Syed Norulzaman also said that the Chinese government always gave its full
cooperation in allowing him to carry out his work.

"I travelled to many provinces and met provincial and local government
leaders, and they were always very warm towards Malaysia....they were willing to
give me their time."

The good relationship between the two countries had also contributed to the
growth of bilateral trade and tourism over the last five years, he said, adding
that Sino-Malaysian bilateral trade grew from US$30 billion in 2005 to over
US$53.5 billion this year while Chinese tourist arrivals in Malaysia increased
from 300,000 in 2005 to over a million this year.

It cannot be denied the achievements were also due to the hard work of Syed
Norulzaman over the years working with MIDA (Malaysian Industrial Development
Authority), Malaysia's national trade promotion agency (MATRADE), Tourism
Malaysia and various other agencies.

"The Malaysian business community here always engages with the embassy
particularly during the initial business discussion stage. We always get
ourselves involved and show encouragement and support in whatever venture they
undertake.

"I am all for the establishment of business chambers as I feel they help in
the role of networking not only between Malaysians but also with Chinese
officials and the local business community.

"Malaysia now has three business chambers in China, one in Beijing since
2004, one was set up in 2006 in Shanghai and three weeks ago I launched another
chamber in Guangdong."

Over the last five years, the Malaysian embassy organised many events to
showcase and promote Malaysian trade, tourism products and education.

"We are not doing it in Beijing alone but going out to other cities
including in the western and central regions.... and even to Inner Mongolia."

Malaysian embassy here organised a Malaysia Culture week in conjuction with
50th Aniversary of Merdeka in 2007, and a dinner and photo exhibition to
celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of China-Malaysia diplomatic
relations this year.

"With the help of the China Fashion Association, we organised our first
batik fashion show in Beijing," said Syed Norulzaman.

He said all these would not be possible if the embassy did not have good
relations with the Chinese authorities.

"'Guan-xi' or good relations is an important element to work well with the
Chinese, there is a need to build mutual trust."

Ask whether differences in ideologies would hinder the good relations
reaching a higher plateau, he said: "I don't feel ideological differences pose a
barrier, as long as you respect their way of doing things, I don't see any
difficulty in building an even better relationship."

"However, language may be a barrier, but if you know their languange it
definitely helps a lot."

Asked what particular events had impressed him the most during his tenure,
Syed Norulzaman said he cannot escape talking about the Beijing Olympics and the
Sichuan earthquake.

"I had the chance to witness the opening and closing of the Beijing Olympics
and see for myself how the Chinese people work towards success."

Syed Norulzaman was also touched by the way People's Liberation Army and the
public responded during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

"People here just rally and mobilise without much call and persuasion from
the authorities, they voluntary come together and help in extreme situations out
of their love to the country."
-- BERNAMA