Honourable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang,
Members of the Parliament and State Legislative Assembly, Heads of government departments,
Leaders from the Chinese Community and Political Parties,
Dear colleagues from Consular Corps,
Dear guests and friends,
Good afternoon!
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my farewell reception today, and I also appreciate the best wishes and sincere emotions expressed by the guests in their farewell speeches just now. I am very touched. I will be leaving my post and returning to China soon. My heart is full of gratitude and reluctance when leaving beautiful Malaysia!
I arrived at Penang International Airport on July 21, 2018, and started my tour of duty in the northern region of Malaysia. I can still clearly remember that representatives from all walks of life in Penang greeted me at the airport, and the Chinese associations held a majestic and grand welcome banquet for me. All these memories brought me warmth!
Over the past few days, my colleagues were helping to collect highlights of the events I attended since I took office. When I look at the familiar faces, I feel so emotional at how time flies and also can’t help thinking of the warm and touching scenes of working together with all guests and friends and forging friendship. Looking back on the past four years, it had been a busy, gratifying, and rewarding four years!
Over the past four years, we have jointly participated in and witnessed the sustained and stable development of China-Malaysia relations. The development of bilateral relations has also continuously empowered local exchanges between the two countries. And the exchanges and cooperation between China and the four states in the consular district have been further promoted. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, although bilateral exchanges have been affected, we have continued to promote exchanges in the political, economic, cultural, and educational fields, and enhance friendships between the peoples through online communications and other means, injecting new impetus into the cooperation between the two countries.
Over the past four years, I have been deeply impressed by the diversity, harmony and tolerance of the Malaysian society, and the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese culture in Malaysia. I can find many long-lost memories that are hardly found in China no matter in the simple ancestral temples or century-old workshops, no matter by enjoying dynamic lion dance performances or tasting unforgettable char kway teow. They are surprising and amazing. During every Chinese New Year, the state government and the Chinese community will hold various rich, colorful, and lively Chinese New Year activities, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Over the past four years, I have visited many schools in the four states of the consular district, especially Chinese schools, from the state of Perlis to Teluk Intan town in the state of Perak, the southernmost part of the consular district. I have seen the great achievements the schools have made in cultivating virtues and educating people, and inheriting the Chinese culture. I deeply understand the hardships, persistence and dedications of the Chinese community to realize these achievements, and the strong support from various circles of the society. This course is not an easy one, which makes it more moving!
Over the past four years, I am very pleased to see that more and more Chinese enterprises choose to base themselves in the consular district, invest and start their businesses here, and contribute to the development of local economy and society. Not long ago, I attended the opening ceremony of the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Penang 275KV Cross-Sea Transmission Line Project. The relevant person in charge told me proudly that it was the high-quality construction of the Penang Second Bridge that left a deep impression on the local people and established a good reputation. Therefore, the enterprise wins the favor of the local government, which attaches great importance to the return of the enterprise. The enterprise will work together and live up to the heavy trust, build a high-quality project that benefits the people, and establish a good image of Chinese enterprises. I am very glad to hear that.
Over the past four years, I am proud that I have developed the precious friendship with the people in the consular district. I have traveled through the four states in the consular district, and have felt the deep affections of the people in the consular district. People from various circles of the society, including the governments of the four states, the business community, political parties, Chinese associations, education, culture, and media, have given great support to the work of Chinese Consulate General in Penang and myself. Especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, when China was very short of anti-epidemic supplies, the people from various circles of the society in the consular district offered their love and helping hand at the first instance, and supported China’s fight against the pandemic through various methods such as holding the “Jointly Battle Against the COVID-19” charitable donations, etc. What moved me the most was that the young students of SJK (C) Chung Shan donated their angpao money. I will always keep this friendly sentiment in mind! Since the outbreak of the pandemic in Malaysia, the Consulate General, along with Chinese enterprises and relevant provinces and cities in China have actively donated anti-epidemic supplies to the four states to help the people in the consular district to fight against the pandemic. A friend in need is a friend indeed. The joint battle against the pandemic and mutual assistance are vivid manifestations of the continuous enhancement of the traditional friendship between China and Malaysia.
Distinguished guests and friends,
The past four years have been extraordinary for China. We celebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. We have withstood the severe test brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, ranking first among the world for both epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development. We have realized the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects as scheduled, and are marching toward the second centenary goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects. Since the beginning of this year, the risks and challenges faced by China’s development have increased, but the fundamentals of steady and long-term bright prospect and long-term sustainability of the Chinese economy remain unchanged. In the second half of this year, the Communist Party of China (CPC) will convene the 20th National Congress of the CPC. It is a very important event in which the goals, tasks, and major policies of China’s development in the next five years and beyond will be planned scientifically. We have full confidence in China’s future!
Recently, in disregard of China’s strong opposition and serious representations, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited China’s Taiwan region. This visit is a major event elevating the substantive relations between the United States and Taiwan, reflecting its attempt to use Taiwan to contain China, obstruct China’s reunification, and disrupt China’s development. China’s national rejuvenation has become a historical inevitability, and no external forces can stop us from moving forward!
The development of China will definitely provide more opportunities for all countries in the world. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia, and the year after next will be the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. China-Malaysia relations are presented with new development opportunities, build on past achievements and forge ahead into the future, and jointly push bilateral relationship to scale new heights.
Distinguished guests and friends,
The extraordinary achievements in the development of China-Malaysia relations at the national and local level are not only accomplished by the joint nurturing of the leaders of the two countries, but also by the unremitting support of the people of the two countries and visionary people from all walks of life. It is the result of the joint efforts of both sides. All of you here are the witnesses, participants, and contributors to the friendship between China and Malaysia. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all those who are present or absent today for your contributions!
I would also like to express my gratitude to all the colleagues of the Consulate General who work side by side with me day and night, including the local Malaysian staffs who worked alongside with us. Over the past four years, we have overcome many difficulties including the COVID-19 pandemic, and have always maintained high-spirited, positive, and enthusiastic in our work. I am proud to have such a team full of ambition, vigor and vitality, pioneering spirit, and selfless dedication.
Distinguished guests and friends,
Just as an ancient Chinese poem says: “Only the spring breeze cherishes the willow wand in my hands and moves it with gentle blows”, I am about to embark on a new journey along with the fond memories and the affectionate blessings of my friends. No matter where I am, I will always be a friend of the people in the consular district, and forever a messenger of China-Malaysia friendship.
Last but not least, I sincerely wish both China and Malaysia prosperity, and happiness, peace and good health to the people of both countries! I wish for a flourishing and long-lasting friendship between China and Malaysia! I wish all guests and friends good health, success in work, family happiness, and all the best! Stay in touch, till we meet again!
Thank you!
Cheers!