Ambassador Bai Tian said Chinese contractors in Malaysia must abide by local rules while keeping up with changes in policies and regulations.

He said Chinese investors should also strengthen communication with Malaysians, including hiring more local workers.

“We must adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and win-win,” he told a seminar jointly organised by the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), as reported by South China Morning Post.

“Malaysia is a multiracial, multicultural country. Our companies should pay attention to words and deeds in respect of local exchanges and respect local customs and religions,” the daily quoted him as saying.

He added that Chinese contractors should also respect and take into account the interests of local enterprises.

Bai’s call comes a week after the government banned a comic book promoting China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Putrajaya said the book, authored by Malaysia China Business Council CEO Hew Kuan Yew, promoted communism and socialism. Hew has since quit the council.

Authorities have also barred the book, “Belt and Road Initiative for Win Winism”, from being distributed to schoolchildren.