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Speech by Chinese Consul-General in Kota Kinabalu Huang Shifang at the 2023 Chinese New Year Celebration

(From Chinese Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu)

2023-01-12 17:57

Good evening, everybody!

Farewell to the year of golden tiger, and welcome the year of jade rabbit.  I am very glad to gather with all friends here tonight to celebrate the Spring Festival of the Year of the Rabbit.  First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, I would like to extend our warmest festive greetings and best wishes to all the guests here tonight!  Wishing you all a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!

It is a great honor to have the Head of State Tuan Yang Terutama Tun, Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan, the Chief Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji, and Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Seri Panglima Hajah Juliah here with us tonight.  Thank you for attending to this reception!

This is the first time that the Consulate General has held a physical Spring Festival reception since the pandemic, and it is also the first Chinese New Year I have spent here since I came to work in Sabah.  Lately, the streets of Sabah have been filled with a joyful and festive atmosphere.  I am glad to see that the traditional customs and culture of the Chinese New Year have taken root and flourished here, whether it is the bustling noise of firecrackers or the exciting dragon and lion dances, all adding to the rich flavor of the Chinese New Year in this Land Below The Wind.  I was also impressed by the fact that Chinese New Year has become a common festival for people of all ethic groups in Sabah to celebrate altogether.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

The year 2022, is a crucial year for both China and Malaysia to take the next step forward.  With strong beliefs and extraordinary courage, the people of China and Malaysia have made remarkable achievements in the pursuit of their respective national development by overcoming all difficulties and forging ahead.

Facing the turbulent international environment and the difficult tasks of domestic reform, development and stability, the Chinese government has united and led the people of all ethnic groups in the country to scientifically coordinate the epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, continue to deepen reforms, expand opening up, and steadily improve the quality of development.  The achievements of scientific innovation have been fruitful, and solid steps have been taken in the new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects.  The successful hosting of the 24th Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China, has brought more confidence and hope to the world under the impact of the pandemic.  Last October, the Communist Party of China successfully convened its 20th National Congress and elected a new central leadership body, which drew a grand blueprint for advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts and provided a Chinese solution to the common problems faced by mankind.  China will respond to the uncertainty of the external environment with its own certainty, hedge against the instability of the international situation with the stability of its domestic and foreign policies, and continuously provide new opportunities for the world with China's new development.

In particular, it should be pointed out that in the past three years since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Chinese government has effectively protected people's lives and health through arduous efforts.  In response to the actual situation that the rate of critical cases and fatality caused by the virus has declined significantly, we have scientifically adjusted and optimized the epidemic prevention measures.  The purpose is to speed up the restoration of economic and social order, on the basis of ensuring the smooth operation of the public health system, to further enhance the linkage effect of both the domestic and international markets and resources, to provide a stronger impetus for global recovery with high-quality development and opening-up, and to continuously demonstrate the image and responsibility of a major country.

The past year was also an extraordinary year for China-Malaysia relations and China-Sabah cooperation.  With the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Malaysia friendship has withstood the test of the turbulent changes in the international situation, and has steadily developed from a new historical starting point.  The exchanges and cooperation between China and Sabah in various fields have also achieved fruitful results.  In particular, in terms of practical economic and trade cooperation, more and more Chinese enterprises have come to Sabah to invest and start businesses.  The fields of cooperation have expanded from tourism and infrastructure to high-end manufacturing, green energy, logistics and transportation, etc.  Many projects are developing and making substantial progress in this hotspot at a rapid pace, and more investment and cooperation intentions from China are also coming and seeking business opportunities.  It can be said that Sabah's unique location and resource advantages have been accelerated in the post-epidemic era, and the huge potential and broad prospects of friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Sabah have begun to emerge.  The Consulate General will continue to play the role of a bridge, implement the Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, commit to deepening exchanges and cooperation between China and Sabah in various fields, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two places.  In the context of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, we will continue to promote win-win cooperation between China and Sabah.

Behind the fruitful results, I see the unrecognised efforts and unwavering dedication of each and everyone of you that has contributed to the achievements.  I would like to thank the the Head of State Tuan Yang Terutama Tun, the Chief Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji, and the Sabah Government for attaching great importance to and actively supporting the development of relations with China.  Thanks to all the Chinese communities, Chinese enterprises and overseas Chinese for their important contributions to promoting economic and trade cooperation between China and Sabah, enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two places and passing on the excellent Chinese traditional culture.  I would also like to thank all the people here who support the work of the Consulate General and myself.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

A Chinese saying goes, one can see the great river rushing and feel the strong wind swelling at the top of the mountains.  In Chinese culture, the rabbit symbolizes wisdom, sensitivity, kindness and modesty.  In the new year, let us further strengthen exchanges and collaboration, firmly grasp the new opportunities, bravely meet the new challenges, and join hands to promote China-Malaysia relations.  Let us ride the waves, set sail to better benefit the people of both countries, and make greater contributions to world peace and prosperity.

Lastly, let's wish China and Malaysia prosperity and everlasting friendship, and wish the people of Sabah peace, prosperity and happiness!  Wishing all of you and your family a very auspicious and healthy Year of the Rabbit!

Thank you.

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