00:00Excellency, Premier Lee Chiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic
00:14of China, fellow ministers, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, contrary to the barrage
00:23of questions and narrative from the others, I sense the attitude of the Chinese leadership,
00:33friendly, courteous, full of respect, understanding of cultures and differences.
00:43And this is not what is being portrayed elsewhere.
00:47In most of my encounters, engagements with many friends overseas, particularly the West,
00:53the basic question asked is whether this sort of enhanced bilateral comprehensive strategic
01:00relationship would be at the expense of Malaysia as a small nation.
01:07I've given them assurances based on historical antecedents from the time of the emperors
01:14in China and the sultans in Malacca, that did not convince them.
01:20But I think this visit by Premier Lee Chiang, my esteemed friend, which I greatly respect,
01:26has proven the case.
01:27We have hours of discussions.
01:30Nothing seems to be arrogant, condescending or ultimatum.
01:38Yes, there are issues, some more contentious, but we discuss as equal partners, as trusted
01:47friends.
01:48But extending beyond that, which I want to reiterate today, is our concern about our
01:54families, about the future of our children, the quality of education, the facilities accorded
02:01through TVETS, through AI and digital, all these things are shared.
02:07There are issues that we can contribute less, there are issues that the Chinese can contribute
02:13more.
02:14And we discuss this as close friends.
02:18How do we do this together and benefit one another?
02:23And again, beyond this, what is close to my heart, and Premier Lee Chiang knows, in our
02:29discussion with President Xi Jinping, covers even issues of civilisation.
02:36And they know the fact that in 1995, I organised this major international conference, Islam
02:45and Confucianism, get people to understand and appreciate one another, get people to
02:53understand that we have differences in terms of our belief and our culture.
02:59But let us be ethical, embody ethical principles of a humane economy.
03:07And I am pleased that Premier Lee Chiang mentioned this specifically.
03:11Let us collaborate to enhance our understanding and probably support the whole idea of a dialogue,
03:17a meaningful dialogue between Islam and Confucianism.
03:22Now, I choose to say this because this in itself is a rebuke and rebuttal to the incessant
03:31propaganda that we should cast as persons and fear the dominance of China economically,
03:40militarily, technology.
03:45We do not.
03:47We in Malaysia, having a neutral stance, have the resolve to work with all countries.
03:58And with China, we see, Premier Lee Chiang, we see you as a friend that would work together
04:07with us, collaborate and prove to the world that this unity, this friendship is meaningful.
04:17Thank you.
04:18Thank you.
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