MELAKA: The historical city is set to host the 50th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

The Chief Minister said the government has essentially given its approval after he sent a letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressing the state’s desire to host the event.

“We have received a letter from the Foreign Ministry proposing the celebration events,” he told Bernama yesterday.

Ab Rauf said Melaka is well known among Chinese tourists and is the most suitable venue to host the golden celebration.

He said this is due to the state’s long history of relations with China, which began over 600 years ago.

Earlier, Ab Rauf received a courtesy visit from Bernama chairman and Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai at his office in Seri Negeri.

Wong said Bernama is committed to supporting all efforts by the Melaka state government to boost the tourism sector.

This includes organising events such as the anniversary celebration, Visit Melaka 2024, World Tourism Day, and World Tourism Conference 2025.

“I spoke to some Chinese tourists on Jonker Walk last night (Sunday), and they said they were more familiar with Melaka than Kuala Lumpur.

“For them, Melaka is a historical and significant city, and in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, there will be many events.

“So we are assured that Bernama and other media will support Melaka,” he said.

Malaysia officially established diplomatic relations with China on May 31, 1974, becoming the first Asean country to extend a hand of friendship to Beijing.

To mark the significant golden anniversary, more than 100 celebratory activities are under way by non-governmental organisations and groups, encompassing economic and trade exchanges, educational interactions, cultural exchanges, and performances.

Merdeka Education Centre chairman Datuk Tan Yew Sing had said there would be events in collaboration with China.

Among them are technical and vocational education and training programmes, robotics and artificial intelligence competitions as well as scholarship programmes for Malaysian students.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/26/cm-melaka-to-host-50th-anniversary-celebration-of-malaysia-china-ties