KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Mr Liu Jian said Chinese Malaysians and their culture are an important advantage and valuable asset that sustain the Sino-Malaysian relationship, and have exerted a very unique bridging effect in bilateral relationship.

"We hope both our countries will continue to maintain and entrench this advantage, actively explore and harness this asset for a more formidable Sino-Malaysian relationship."

In conjunction with the official visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to China from 3 to 6 June, Ambassador Liu Jian talked about the prospects and future of Sino-Malaysian relationship during an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily in Kuala Lumpur.

Liu gave his thumbs-up for the relatively more comprehensive development of Chinese culture and Chinese education system in this country, adding that these have promoted the thriving multicultural development here.

"The culture of Chinese Malaysians is an advantage. You can communicate with Chinese nationals without any difficulty.

"This is your advantage!"

He said Malaysia is at an advantage in the face of stiff competition from other ASEAN countries and China, thanks to its abundant natural resources as well as a balanced development of Sino-Malaysian relationship over the years.

He pointed out that more and more Malaysians are keen to learn about China and more non-Chinese Malaysians have also started learning the Chinese language because of the rapid development of the Chinese economy in recent years as well as the strengthening relationship between both countries.

At the same time, he said more Chinese nationals hope to learn about Malaysia as well as its rich multiracial culture.

"As a matter of fact, Malaysians do not need to travel to China to learn the Chinese language. You have already established an excellent learning environment and standard here."

"Peaceful co-existence among the many different cultures in this world is one of the prerequisites that would ensure global harmony. The continuous expansion of the Sino-Malaysian relationship has not only drawn the people from our countries closer, but has also promoted harmony and enhanced cooperation in this region and the entire world."

--MySinchew/Asia News Network