PARLIAMENT | The close ties between Malaysia and China do not put the nation at risk with regard to the communist ideology practised in the republic, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He was responding to Dr Ko Chung Sen (DAP-Kampar), who asked how many people had been arrested by Malaysian authorities in recent years for subscribing to communist ideology.

He also asked whether Malaysia would declare that China communists are no threat to Malaysia, but is instead an ally aiding Malaysia’s infrastructure development through its investments in the country.

"Since the Peace Agreement between the government and the Malayan Communist Party on Dec 2, 1989, and (Sarawak-based) North Kalimantan Communist Party (NKCP) on Oct 17, 1990, the authorities have not arrested anyone for subscribing to communist ideology,” said Zahid in response (photo).

He pointed out that China's communist ideology was only restricted to its political system as well as its state administration, and had nothing to do with the republic's diplomatic ties with other nations.

"Up until now, Malaysia and China have close ties and China is the largest trade partner of Malaysia. Therefore, the government does not perceive the communist ideology in China as a threat to Malaysia.

"However, in diplomatic relationships with any country, security will continue to be a focus to ensure there is no threat to the sovereignty of the nation,” he added in his capacity as the home minister.

China is a prominent player in key infrastructure projects in Malaysia.

Among others, 85 percent of the RM55 billion East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project will be funded through a government-guaranteed soft loan by the China state-owned Export-Import Bank.