Hadi meets with China ambassador to 'foster harmony'

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang met with China Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing yesterday, in an effort to “foster harmony”.

Leaders within Hadi’s party had in recent months been highly critical of China’s alleged undermining of Malaysian sovereignty in two controversial incidents.

In a statement yesterday, the Islamist party president said that the meeting at the China embassy in Kuala Lumpur saw the duo exchange views on efforts to “strengthen ties” between the two countries in culture, economy, and international relations.

“I deeply appreciate His Excellency’s commitment to fostering closer relations between China and Malaysia, as well as his thoughtful understanding of Malay culture and the broader Muslim world.

“I hope this meeting will foster a more harmonious environment and promote greater collaboration between Malaysia and China, particularly in the fields of culture and economy, in the states of Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis,” Hadi said.

Also present at the meeting were Hadi’s son Muhammad Khalil and Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman.

Kicking up storm

Neither of the leaders at the meeting with China delegates were among those who had been critical of China.

However, in October, Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria kicked up a major fuss about Chinese nationals waving their country flags at a Guan Gong cultural festival procession in Teluk Intan, calling it a challenge to Malaysian sovereignty.

Razman Zakaria

At a counter rally in which he uttered racist remarks, Razman also called for Malay unity to send a “message” to “friends” who supported those waving China flags.

The Perak PAS chief received support from PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man against “unpatriotic provocateurs”.

Earlier that same month, PAS leaders and machinery were also among those who attacked Putrajaya over a China navy visit in Penang allegedly receiving an overly warm welcome.

This included the Chinese naval cadets visiting the Chung Ling Independent High School.

PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden had urged Putrajaya to explain whether the school visit violated national protocols or policies. - Mkini