“We want to continue this partnership and must set aside problems. The Chinese must continue to cooperate with the Malays, Indians and the people of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said at a Chinese New Year event here tonight.
Zahid refuted criticism that efforts by Prime Minister Najib Razak to draw investments from China were a form of colonialism.
He said the claim that Najib’s efforts were tantamount to destroying the dignity of Malaysians was incorrect as China’s investment was just 3.3% of foreign direct investment (FDI).
“I visited China three weeks ago and discussed a range of issues including security.
“Since they knew I am from Bagan Datuk, they agreed to invest in Bagan Datuk,” he said while declining to disclose the investment.
Meanwhile, speaking at another event, Zahid admitted that he was a fan of Tamil movie star M G Ramachandran, better known as MGR, since childhood.
“I used to lie to my late father so that I could go to watch his movies,” he said at the “Oli Vilaku Kalai Nigalchy” cultural programme here.
He said although MGR had died, his spirit and memories still lived among the Indian community worldwide.
The programme, attended by 500 people, was organised by Bagan Datuk MGR fans.