KUALA LUMPUR: It is time for the Communist Party of China and MCA to work together to strengthen the bond between both parties, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The MCA president said the sentiment is shared by both parties.

“Let us work together to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two parties for a brighter future for all.

“I agree with the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Deputy Minister Sun Haiyan that it is time for both parties to further strengthen cooperation and explore other opportunities for future cooperation,” he said.

Dr Wee said this in a post on Facebook on Tuesday night (June 11) after meeting with Sun Haiyan in Beijing.

He added that he was joined by MCA’s Political Bureau members, representatives from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), VTAR Institute and the Star Media Group Chief Executive Officer who paid a courtesy call to the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

“We were welcomed by Sun Haiyan, who represented the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Liu Jianchao.

“This is our latest engagement with the CPC’s International Liaison Department after my meeting with Liu Jianchao in Kuala Lumpur on March 27 this year.

“We (MCA) first established bilateral relations with the CPC in 1994 and in 2014 both parties signed an agreement for bilateral cooperation.

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties between Malaysia and China this year, it is time for us to further strengthen the collaboration between our parties,” he said.

Dr Wee said during the dialogue session held during the meeting, both parties shared their various experiences where MCA and CPC help in various fields that bring benefits to the people in both countries.

“Sun Haiyan also expressed her appreciation to Malaysia for being the first Southeast Asia country to establish diplomatic ties with China despite the challenges and obstacles faced,” he said.