Sand and sea water for Hu

Seeing is believing
China and Malaysia to boost strategic cooperation
Malaysia, China agree to beef up ties

MALACCA: It was a moment of historical significance for China’s President Hu Jintao when he viewed the Straits of Malacca.

More than six centuries ago, the great Ming Dynasty Admiral Zheng He visited Malacca, then one of the busiest trading ports in the world, at least five times during his famous seven voyages.

Historical significance: Hu and wife Liu using binoculars to look over the Straits of Malacca during their visit to Malacca Wednesday. Accompanying them are Mohd Khalil and Ong.

Hu, a history buff, had personally requested for Malacca to be included in his itinerary during his official visit to the country.

To mark the occasion yesterday, Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing were presented with a bottle of sea sand and sea water from Malacca by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

He also presented them with two official state certificates bearing the serial numbers 8888 to denote their visit to view the longest and busiest Straits in the world.

Mohd Ali quipped that the numbers meant good fortune and prosperity in Chinese.

“We consider President Hu’s visit as bringing good feng shui to Malacca and we wanted to reciprocate this by giving him a certificate with the auspicious serial numbers,” he said.

Mohd Ali described Hu as being relaxed and friendly when he arrived at the viewing area, located next to a commemorative plaque near Masjid Selat Melaka on Pulau Melaka.

Hu also showed keen interest in the historical significance of the Straits and took several photographs with his wife before leaving.

Mohd Ali added that Hu mentioned that Malacca and China must continue to maintain the tradition of friendship forged between the two places following Zheng He’s historical visits.

Hu also visited the Baba-Nyonya Museum for a better understanding of the unique community made up of descendants of Chinese traders who married local women during the 15th century.

Hu and Liu arrived at Pulau Mela-ka at around 2.15pm and spent about 30 minutes viewing the Straits before going to the museum.

The entourage left Malacca shortly after 3pm.

Also present were Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Minister in Attendance Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and state leaders.

At 4.35pm, Hu departed for Singapore from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, concluding a two-day visit to Malaysia.

On hand to send Hu and Liu off were Ong and Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong.