KLUANG, Sept 26 (Bernama) — Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today the party’s recent delegation visit to China was strictly in response to an official invitation from the Chinese government.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the trip was a routine engagement aimed at observing and understanding China’s development and progress.
“It is similar to how we extend invitations to political parties across the globe to attend our UMNO General Assembly,” he said during a press conference after the ‘Tautan Kasih’ programme at the Tanah Runtuh Orang Asli village near here.
Ahmad Zahid stressed there was no indoctrination involved, asserting BN’s unwavering commitment to Islamic teachings and national pride as an independent nation.
Yesterday, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi dismissed claims by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, who voiced concerns that the BN delegation’s visit to China could expose them to communist ideologies.
Mohd Puad, who is also Johor State Legislative Assembly Speaker, said the visit was in line with celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
— BERNAMA