Distinguished Dato' Seri Dr. Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development,
YB Baru Bian, Minister of Works,
Deputy Minister Dr. Lee Boon Chye and Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong
Tan Sri Dr. Goh Tian Chuan, President of Hua Zong,
Honorable guests, leaders of Chinese associations,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening! Firstly, I would like to say “thank you” to Tan Sri Dr. Goh Tian Chuan for inviting all of us to this joyous Chinese New Year gathering. And on behalf of the Embassy of China in Malaysia, I would like to extend my new year greetings to all of you here tonight.
This is the third year I celebrate Chinese New Year in Malaysia. Just like the first two, Kuala Lumpur is again decorated in full red, and is immersed with festive atmosphere and joy. Not only Malaysian Chinese, but all Malaysian people are celebrating this jubilant occasion. I just can’t stop admiring the Malaysian Chinese for how they hold fast to the Chinese traditions, and the charm of cultural diversity in harmony in Malaysia.
But this Chinese New Year is special for a reason. Right now, my motherland and fellow countrymen are fighting a hard battle against the novel coronavirus. [Please allow me to present you a video clip about the current situation in China.]
Fair to say, in China, this Chinese New Year is not as joyful as it used to be. Medical teams of 6000 staff from all around China have flied to Wuhan with a heavy mission but without hesitation. Ordinary people have voluntarily keeping themselves at home, to keep in line with the preventative and control measures taken by the government. The cities and streets may be empty and chilly, but the Chinese people’s hearts are entirely filled not only with solemn and sorrowing emotions but also with determination and confidence to win the battel against this unprecedented epidemic.
We have to admit that the outbreak of coronavirus has made its negative impacts on China economically and socially, but despite the cost, still the Chinese government has implemented the fullest and strictest measures to contain the epidemic. Many of these measures have far surpassed what is required in the International Health Regulation. From Chinese leaders to the Chinese people, from medical staff to ordinary townsfolk, the 1.4 billion people now share one same thought, and fight one same fight, which is to defeat the disease.
Currently, the situation is still grim and pressing, however, measures and actions are showing promising results. We have finished building two specialized hospitals with 2500 beds in total in Wuhan in just 10 days. We are pouring every resource needed to vaccine development. We have now 328 cured cases, and the rising tide of confirmed cases is ebbing. With restrictive actions on the human mobility, the spread of virus is being effectively curbed both in China and around the world. I feel proud of my country and its people. You can count on us, that China has every confidence and capability to put an end to this epidemic.
Of course, as always, we don’t do this only for ourselves. We are doing this with the regional and global health security, and the interests of the international community as a whole in mind. Ever since the outbreak, the Chinese government has been sharing information about the epidemic with the WHO and related countries and organizations in a timely, open, transparent and responsible manner. China has also been cooperating with all sides closely on epidemic containment. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi has been keeping close contact with his counterparts on telephone lines, including Foreign Minister Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, on this very topic. The Chinese government also pays highest attention on the safety of foreigners in China, and is decisive to take care of their concerns in collaboration with foreign embassies. Here I am happy to report that, with the joint efforts of our both sides, tonight an aircraft is heading from Kuala Lumpur to Wuhan, bringing the Malaysian nationals and family members in Hubei Province to back home, and delivering medical supplies most needed to China.
China is not fighting the battle alone! The thorough measures and resolute sense of responsibility of China have earned recognitions and commendations from the WHO and other countries. Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the WHO, has recently praised China for setting a benchmark for outbreak response, and said “if it were not for China’s efforts, we would have seen many more cases outside China by now.” Upon declaring the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the WHO also emphasized that it has full confidence in China’s capabilities, and trade and travel restrictions are not recommended as they would pose unnecessary disruptions.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
From the early beginning of the outbreak, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Malaysia have been sharing information timely and collaborating closely with our Malaysian friends on epidemic containment. What moves me most is the understanding and the invaluable support from the Malaysian Government and its people. 4 days ago, along with YB Teresa Kok, I attended the donation ceremony of 18 million clinical gloves from the Malaysian side to Wuhan. Moreover, Malaysian people from all walks of life have also been actively donating medical supplies and funds to China, especially our friends from Malaysian Chinese community, many of whom are actually present tonight. I also watched many touching video clips where Malaysian friends are chanting “Wuhan jiayou” (Wuhan, keep on fighting).
These heartwarming actions have sent out clear messages to the Chinese people that we are not fighting alone, that the Malaysian and Chinese people are in this together. We have shown to the world once again that our two peoples always share weal and woe, that we are bond in a friendship immune to any vicious viruses. On behalf of the Chinese government, the Chinese embassy and the Chinese people, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my most sincere gratitude to the Malaysian government and our Malaysian friends who have rendered invaluable assistance to China. Thank you for your invaluable supports in this crucial time. Thank you, Malaysia!
Looking forward, the Chinese government will continue to work closely with the Malaysian side, doing the best we can to contain the epidemic and win the battle at the end. Just like Dr. Tedros said, “ this is a time for facts, science and solidarity, not a time for fear, rumors and stigma.”. When facing the battle against the coronavirus that challenges us all, the international community should stand as one and work as one. Overreactions such as travel and trade bans will only cause more panic and negative repercussions. In this time of adversity, we need to pull together through thick and thin, not capitalizing on other’s difficulties.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Last year we have just celebrated the 45th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations. Our bilateral trade volume has reached a record high of around 124 billion USD, and the number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia has toppled 3 million. These statistics are the proofs of the close common interests and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries. This year is the China-Malaysia Year of Culture and Tourism. Although this new year of metal Rat has graced us with a not-so-happy beginning, I still firmly believe that with the strenuous and resolute efforts by the Chinese government and the Chinese people, with the help and support from all countries including Malaysia, we will cast away the dark clouds of the epidemic and emerge triumphant from the battle against the novel coronavirus. And the China-Malaysia relations will develop faster and accomplish more in this new year.
I would like to conclude my remarks by wishing everyone, despite the hiccups, a very healthy, happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!
Thank you all.