Malaysian PM says "future would be bleak without Chinese community's support" (2)

Lauding Zheng's move to assist people in the regions irrespective of their religions, Najib said the respected diplomat had embodied many of the characteristics Malaysians most value -- acceptance of diversity and the understanding of the value of other cultures.

The prime minister added that to many Southeast Asians, particularly those residing in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, Zheng was still held with great reverence.

"But the shared history between China and this region is nothing in comparison to the relationship we are seeing unfold today," said Najib, adding that China surpassing Japan to become the world's second largest economy which marked a new era for China and Asia as a whole.

He also said the time would come when three of the world's five largest economies would be Asian countries, namely China, Japan and India.

Themed "China and the West, Studying Together for a New Economic Significance," the two-day forum aims at exploring a new growth corridor linking China, the Middle East, ASEAN and India, called "the New Silk Road" by Najib.

The forum also saw the participation of Chinese business groups, scholars and delegates from 33 countries and regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, India, Australia and the U.S..

Source: Xinhua
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