Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Friday that the overseas Chinese community has contributed greatly to the development of Malaysia and other parts of the world.
In his keynote address at the World Chinese Economic Forum, Mahathir said the Chinese community was a peaceful one that focused its energies on new technology, development and wealth creation.
Mahathir praised the Chinese community's ability to adapt to any challenging condition, taking example from how Chinese-run shops in Malaysia were consolidated into shopping malls from those along the streets.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (L, front) talks with Jack Ma (R, front), chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, August 18, 2018. /VCG Photo
Mahathir also praised the contributions of the Chinese community for being key to his country's wealth creation through their enterprising spirit.
"Somehow they have the knack of creating wealth wherever they go, they are business oriented people and they know how to deal with money and business.
"Malaysia fully appreciates their contribution to the development of Malaysia," he said.
Mahathir paid an official visit to China in August, which was his eighth tour to the country as Malaysia's prime minister.
(Cover: Mahathir Mohamad holds up an ink-stained finger as he votes during the general election in Alor Setar, Malaysia, May 9, 2018. /VCG Photo)