Safety of Chinese tourists a priority
Published on: Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: While conceding that the Consulate-General has made some achievements over the last two and a half years, outgoing Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie said she owed it to the State Government and people of Sabah.Speaking to reporters at the farewell reception hosted by the Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah at a leading hotel here, the first Consul-General to serve in Sabah said: "In terms of progress, I owe that to the kindness and strong support given to me and my colleagues, by the State Government and the local people, including the Chinese community and even the other ethnic groups." She was accompanied by the Vice-Consul-General, Zhang He.
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The soft-spoken and humble lady felt that if an evaluation was to be done at all, it would be fair if the government was to do so, rather than for her to make a judgement of her work performance."I am struck by Sabah's natural beauty but even more beautiful are the Sabahans. I am touched by the warmth of Sabah people. That's why I said I am impressed by Sabahans…they are the best," she said when asked on her impressions of Sabah.On July 9, Chen leaves for Beijing where she will be notified of her next posting.
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Her most beautiful experience was visiting Semporna and islands off the east coast of Sabah such Sipadan, Kapalai and Mabul. "Sipadan is like a paradise," she remarked, adding she loves Sabah's durians.The outgoing Consul-General has high regard for the Sabah media fraternity, saying she was giving media practitioners a high rating for their high standard of journalism.
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"They work very hard and show a high level of professionalism. They report facts and tell the truth itself. They are trying their best to be up-to-date with news reports and putting in their own ideas in going about their journalistic work. Simply, they are exemplary to their counterparts in other parts of the world," she said.Chen expressed her concern for the safety and security of the large numbers of Chinese tourists coming to Sabah."I really worry because it's a big population. Very challenging. If they are safe, it's ok but if they meet any trouble or incidents, that is the challenge. The Chinese people love the sea scenery, the sea and islands."On claims for compensation for the loss of lives in the boat capsize tragedy on January 28 this year, she said the Consulate-General is still waiting for the outcome."There are two sides to it – the criminal element which is being handled by the authorities, and the civil part which involves compensation. The survivors or the victims' next-of-kin have appointed local lawyers to consult the relevant parties in their quest for compensation," Chen said.The Consulate-General on its part, she added, is just keeping an eye on that aspect and providing the necessary assistance. "Hopefully, the matter will be settled in due course so that the survivors and families of the victims will have more comfort to move on with their lives."Earlier, in her address, she commended Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah under the leadership of Dr Oh Ei Sun, for having organised many activities involving her participation. "In fact, the organisation played an important role in our efforts to establish the Consulate-General in Kota Kinabalu."Dr Oh said over the last two years, Ma Zhong Friendship Association Sabah was honoured to have received advice and guidance from Chen. "As such, we have been able to work together to further promote the friendship ties between China and Sabah."Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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