'We are all one family,' Anwar draws applause for speaking Chinese

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received a resounding applause when he described Malaysians as being part of one family in the Chinese language during his speech.

“Malay, Chinese, Indian, Dayak, or Kadazan, we are all one family,” he said in Mandarin much to the amusement of those present at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar had repeated the same words in Chinese during his campaign speeches in the last general election, stating that it served as the guiding principle of Pakatan Harapan’s governance approach.

In 1994, when he was deputy prime minister, he had also written “we are all one family” in Chinese calligraphy.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, told the convention that Malaysia and China have laid a solid foundation for the enhanced collaboration in new key and innovative sectors that will drive their economies forward.

He said that both countries have enjoyed long-standing bilateral relations underpinned by robust trade and investment relations.

He pointed out that the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang in June has reaffirmed the enduring friendship and mutual respect between Malaysia and China.

“The visit witnessed the signing of the Second Cycle of the Five-Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Investment Cooperation in Digital Economy and Green Development, between both countries,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Anwar said the government has always recognised the contribution of the Chinese Malaysian community in the country’s socioeconomic developments, in the economic, cultural, educational and industrial sectors.

“Under the Madani Economic Framework, I can assure you that we will continue to prioritise the enhancement of our economic landscape, fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation,” he said.

He added that Chinese entrepreneurs have collaborated closely with others and have laid the foundations for forging deeper and stronger business and economic links across national borders.

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