KUCHING, Jan 5: After only two years of tenure as the Consul-General for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Kuching, Fu Jijun is already very impressed with the state’s economic as well as cultural openness.
Speaking during a farewell courtesy call to Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh at his office in Bangunan Baitul Makmur in Petra Jaya here earlier today, Fu said throughout his two-year tenure while Sarawak was under the leadership of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem until now under Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, economic and cultural relationships between PRC and the state has been growing rapidly as the two Chief Ministers had always been keen on pursuing mutual benefits between PRC and Sarawak.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the state government under the leadership of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and currently Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari because they have been stressing on the importance of mutual benefits between PRC and Sarawak.
“Abang Johari last year alone has visited PRC three times and personally signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the PRC government as well as various PRC corporate bodies.
“I would also like to express my high appreciation to Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh because he always pushed for greater relations between PRC and Sarawak in many fields including trade, investments, culture and education,” he said, adding that even after his transfer to Liberia, he would continue to help the state in any way he can in improving ties with PRC.
Fu will be taking up the post of PRC ambassador in Liberia in Africa. His new replacement as the Consul-General in Kuching will only be known sometime before the end of this month, he said.
He also expressed his gladness that the Chinese community in the state was able to live and integrate with the various ethnic communities in the state without any issues.
He said he was impressed and even suggested to Abang Johari to apply to the United Nations for this unique and special trait of Sarawak to be recognised as tangible heritage.
“I am very impressed with Sarawak because everyone of different races is able to live together in harmony. While the Chinese people here celebrate their festivities, the Malays, Dayaks and other races come together with them to celebrate. Then when they (other races) celebrate their festivities, the Chinese people here come to their house to visit and celebrate, and enjoy the food together,” said Fu.
Wong meanwhile said that if there was any need, the state would continue to engage Fu in efforts to strengthen the state’s relationship with the PRC.
“This is a small world anyway, it is a global village, distance doesn’t mean anything. I look forward to more help from Jijun. He assured us that although he will be in Liberia, if we need help in terms of improving the relationship between China and Sarawak, he’s only too willing to help. For that I am very grateful,” he said. — DayakDaily
