Sin Chew Daily has expressed gratitude to former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's office, who criticised the Chinese daily for changing Ma's title to "former Taiwan leader".

In a statement published today, Sin Chew said Ma, a well-known figure in Malaysia and worldwide, carried multiple titles.

"He is former Taiwan president, former Taiwan leader and a scholar," it said.

"We formed ties with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan and hope they enjoy a better development while their people live harmoniously and happily," it added.

The leading Chinese daily in Malaysia said it was being flexible on Ma's title after taking into consideration the overall political scenario of China and Taiwan, as well as its understanding of the "One China" policy.

"(We) did not wish to be contradictory to the policies of any party," it said.

Sin Chew had secured an exclusive interview with Ma at Taipei prior to the latter's four-day visit in Malaysia, beginning today.

The daily, however had referred Ma as the "former Taiwan leader" in its Nov 14 exclusive interview, not "former Taiwan president" as it did in the Nov 12 and 13 articles.

Ma's office had immediately issued a protest statement, saying that Ma would not entertain any more interviews from the daily.

Ma is slated to speak at the Southern University College in Johor Baru today and visit Penang tomorrow. On Thursday, he will speak at the World Chinese Economic Forum in Malacca.

Ma wishes to advocate Chinese culture and explain the Taiwan Go-South policies in Malaysia.

Southern University College had addressed Ma as the "former Taiwan leader" in its poster but later amended it following a protest from Ma's office.