KOTA KINABALU: Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Kadzim M Yahya received a courtesy call from Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, His Excellency Dr. Zhu Xinglong at his office in State Legislative Assembly Building here yesterday.
Welcoming the visit, Kadzim expressed his appreciation for the Consul General’s presence and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening international friendship and cooperation.
He said such engagements play an important role in fostering closer ties and enhancing mutual understanding between Sabah and China, particularly in the context of evolving global and regional dynamics.
During the meeting, both parties engaged in a substantive dialogue on legislative systems, focusing on the structural and functional differences between China’s and Sabah’s respective frameworks.
The discussion highlighted how each system is shaped by its unique political context, governance structure and policy priorities, reflecting the diversity of approaches in legislative practices.
Despite these differences, both sides acknowledged a shared commitment to effective governance and the pursuit of socio-economic development for their respective communities.
The dialogue also provided valuable comparative insights into legislative practices, underscoring the importance of institutional understanding in strengthening international engagement.
Dr. Zhu highlighted the growing interest among Chinese investors in exploring investment opportunities in Sabah, reflecting confidence in the state’s economic potential and its appeal as an emerging investment destination.
He noted that sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture and tourism present promising prospects for collaboration between Sabah and China.
Sabah’s strategic location and rich resource base were identified as key strengths, supported by ongoing efforts by the Sabah Government to enhance its regulatory framework and investment environment.
The meeting also briefly touched on potential areas for future cooperation, particularly in facilitating investment flows and promoting sustainable economic development.
Both parties agreed that continued dialogue and engagement are essential in fostering mutual understanding and building stronger bilateral relations.
Kadzim reiterated that exchanges on legislative systems serve as a critical foundation for deeper cooperation and more informed policymaking.
He added that such interactions not only strengthen institutional ties but also open avenues for broader economic collaboration.
The visit concluded with both sides expressing optimism over the prospects of enhanced cooperation and sustained engagement in the years ahead.
