COUNCIL of Eminent Persons chairman Daim Zainuddin met Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi in Beijing today to strengthen bilateral ties following Putrajaya’s move to suspend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

The former finance minister met Li to hand deliver a letter from Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Daim spoke of the two countries’ long friendship, its importance to Malaysia and Dr Mahathir’s understanding of China.

“Dr Mahathir understands China, and has always wanted to develop a positive relationship with China. He looks forward to come to China soon for an official visit, to discuss with Chinese leaders (ways) to strengthen bilateral relations,” Daim was quoted as saying by China Press when met with Wang.

“Dr Mahathir looks forward to his official visit to China as soon as possible to discuss with the Chinese leadership on future plans of working together,” he said.

Dr Mahathir had said he plans to visit China next month but has yet to announce the dates.

Daim’s visit comes as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today raided companies linked to projects with China’s involvement – ECRL and the the Multi-Product Pipeline (MPP) and Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP) projects.

The contractor of the ECRL, a project mooted by the previous Barisan Nasional government, is Chinese firm China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

Wang said in a statement on his ministry’s website that both nations had a pragmatic and comprehensive strategic partnership.

With both countries also coming into their new term in government after elections, Malaysia and China’s bilateral ties were now “at a new historic starting point”, he said.

Malaysia is also sending a delegation to Beijing to renegotiate the ECRL contract and two gas pipeline projects under Suria Strategic Energy Resources Sdn Bhd (SSER). – July 18, 2018.