Presence of Pandas Symbol of Close Relations With China: Malaysia PM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- China's decision to allow Malaysia to have a pair of panda bears is a great symbol of the warm and close relations between the two countries, said Najib Razak (centre). The prime minister said the pandas are also treasured animals for China and their presence in this country would be a major attraction to both local and foreign tourists. "I'm confident that the pandas will be a major attraction for Malaysians and visitors alike," he said during a one-hour chat with members of the public via the NSTLive Chat Session on the New Straits Times (NST) website, here, Tuesday. The China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) would be loaning two baby pandas for 10 years and the pair will be placed in a special area in Taman Wetlands, Putrajaya. The agreement, to be signed on June 15, is part of a collaboration between the CWCA and the Malaysian government to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries. The panda arrangement came about following Najib's request to China's Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to Nanning to officiate the Malaysia-China Industrial Park. Asked for his opinion on Malaysia's chances of getting a gold medal in the Olympic games in London, especially through badminton ace Lee Chong Wei, Najib said the World No. 1 badminton player had a reasonably good chance of winning the gold medal. However, he said, Chong Wei had to strengthen his personal resolve as he would be up against his nemesis, Lin Dan. "I want all Malaysians to give our moral support to Chong Wei for I believe he can do it," he said. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA