Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to his country will push China-Malaysia friendly relations to a new height. He also spoke highly of the Chinese leader's broad and visionary governance philosophy.
President Xi visited Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, on April 16-17 as his second state visit to the country after 12 years. Prime Minister Anwar warmly received him.
In a joint interview with China Media Group (CMG) and Malaysian media outlet Astro Awani in Malaysia's administrative capital of Putrajaya on Monday before Xi's two-day visit, Anwar talked about his expectations for this visit.
"We see President Xi's visit as far more than just a friendly exchange. It marks a new height in the friendly relations between our two countries across all areas. Malaysia and ASEAN uphold the principle of neutrality and mutual respect while seeking to maintain good relations with all countries. There are no unresolved issues between Malaysia and China. We believe that our relationship with China should not only continue but also be further elevated," he said.
The Malaysian prime minister, who last met with Xi in Beijing last November, praised the Chinese president's perspective on development, which emphasizes the need to place value on human, cultural, and civilizational development alongside economic growth, and said this vision aligns well with Malaysia's policy framework.
"During my meeting with President Xi Jinping, I said, or rather, asked what makes his thinking so distinct, so unique? I find it's because President Xi puts emphasis on cultural exchanges, mutual learning between civilizations, and shared prosperity. This kind of vision is rarely seen in today's political figures. It resonates deeply with the spirit of 'Malaysia Madani', which also upholds values, humanitarianism, and a global perspective. It's a spirit devoted to furthering cultural and ethical advancement," he said.
"President Xi's response was very thought-provoking. He said, 'Yes, we must pursue economic development, but human development cannot be separated from history, culture, or civilization.' That struck a chord with me because while we often talk about the economy, technology, digitization and AI, all of which are undeniably important, we must not lose sight of the humanistic spirit. It is only leaders and thinkers of great nations who can take such a broad, long-term view, one that goes beyond material needs alone," he added.
Xi's visit to elevate China-Malaysia relations to new heights: Malaysian PM
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday called for advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance with higher standards and more concrete measures.
Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) in Beijing.
Xi urged efforts to confine power to an institutional cage in a more well-conceived and effective manner, and press ahead with the anti-corruption fight with a clearer understanding and stronger resolve, thus providing a strong guarantee for achieving the goals and tasks of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).
Xi pointed out that in 2025, the CPC Central Committee had intensified efforts to improve Party conduct, uphold integrity and combat corruption, achieving notable results. Xi said efforts were made to maintain a tough stance against corruption and eradicate the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption.
Xi emphasized that implementing the major decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee is a fundamental requirement for upholding its authority and its centralized, unified leadership.
Party organizations at all levels and Party members and officials should implement the decisions and plans of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee with concrete actions, he said.
Xi noted that confining power to an institutional cage is an important task in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance.
He stressed that all are equal before the law and regulations, that compliance with them admits no privilege, and that enforcement of the law and regulations allows no exception.
Xi underscored that the fight against corruption is a major struggle that the Party cannot afford to lose, and must never lose.
He said that the current anti-corruption situation remains grave and complex, and that the task of eliminating the soil and conditions breeding corruption remains arduous. Xi added that it is essential to maintain a firm stance to leave corrupt officials with no place to hide.
Stressing the need to stay attuned to new trends and features of corruption, Xi urged efforts to innovate methods and approaches, promptly detect and accurately identify corrupt practices, and effectively address all forms of corruption, so as to continuously enhance the penetrating power of anti-corruption efforts.
He also urged strengthening coordination among all forms of oversight to advance integrated governance through whole-process collaboration, and called for sustained efforts to forge a loyal, upright and responsible disciplinary inspection and supervision force that dares to and is good at fighting against corruption.
Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang attended the meeting.
Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, presided over the meeting. On Monday afternoon, on behalf of the standing committee of the CCDI, Li also delivered a work report.
Xi urges advancing Party self-governance with higher standards, more concrete measures
