Chinese ambassador Huang Huikang paid a visit to Petaling Street today on the eve of an anti-Chinese rally by Malay rightwing groups.

The rally is called in response to the authorities’ purported lack of action against traders who sell counterfeit goods there.

China is against all forms of terrorism, as well as racism and extremism which target specific ethnic groups, the ambassador to Malaysia said in a statement which he read out after his walkabout in the area known as Chinatown.

Huang said Malaysia was a country ruled by law, and therefore, everyone - regardless of ethnicity or stratum in society - must safeguard it.

"Nobody has the right to undermine the authority of the law or trample on the rule of law.

"The Chinese government has always pursued peaceful co-existence in international relationship and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

"But with regard to the infringement on China's national interests, violations of legal rights and interests of Chinese citizens and businesses which may damage the friendly relationship between China and the host country, we will not sit by idly," said Huang in his strongly-worded statement.

The diplomat, accompanied by his wife, visited the popular shopping area for about one hour along with members of the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association.

During the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu on Sept 16, rally-goers tried to enter Petaling Street and after a standoff, the Federal Reserve Unit used the water cannon to disperse the red shirts.

Malaysia should maintain social stability

Regarding the warning yesterday by the United States and Australia to its citizens to avoid Jalan Alor due to possible terrorist attacks, Huang said the Chinese embassy in Malaysia will pay close attention on the matter.

"We sincerely hope that Malaysia will maintain its social stability to become a desirable tourist destination, rather than the reverse.

"I walk around Petaling Street, I see here everything is orderly. Business is booming and there are many international visitors, but more importantly, I see the Chinese getting along in harmony with other races. I am very pleased.

"We do not want to see such a good situation destroyed by any people with ulterior motives," said Huang ( photo ).

He stressed the importance of economic diversification and cultural pluralism in multi-ethnic Malaysia where the Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups have retained their own unique culture, religion and tradition.

"Multiculturalism in Malaysia brings about stable and healthy development in Malaysian economy and society, which is a valuable asset for all ethnic groups in Malaysia.

"Mid-autumn festival is near... I come here to visit the Chinese businesspeople, friends and other Malay friends in Petaling Street, hoping to signal that we want to have a harmonious festival," said Huang.

The red shirt rally has been reported by several overseas Chinese-language media, including China Times , Hong Kong's Oriental Daily , ifeng.com , and China's Sohu.com , as an " anti-Chinese demonstration ".

Malaysia is China's biggest trading partner in Southeast Asia.

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