Anwar mourns Zhu Rongji, recalls "good friend"
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed condolences over the death of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, describing him as a “good friend” and one of the great architects of China's economic transformation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mourned the passing of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, describing him as a "good friend" and one of the chief architects of China's economic transformation. Zhu passed away in Beijing at the age of 97 after failing to respond to medical treatment, as reported by Chinese state media.
In a Facebook post, Anwar praised Zhu's reforms, which accelerated China's rise as an economic superpower in the 1990s. The two worked together to strengthen economic and financial ties between Malaysia and China during that era. Anwar recalled Zhu arranging for him to visit Confucius' home village and historical sites associated with Admiral Zheng He. He also remembered Zhu surprising him with several Chinese classics he had personally chosen during a visit to Anwar's home library, which Anwar still possesses.
Anwar characterized Zhu as a formidable statesman remembered for his strong sense of duty to his nation. He extended heartfelt condolences to Zhu's family and the people of China, acknowledging Zhu's hard-hitting free market reforms, including privatization of state-owned enterprises, urban housing, and promotion of home ownership.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
