国内英语新闻:Malaysian PM sends New Year message to Chinese around world

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak wishes all Chinese in the world a happy Chinese New Year on Thursday in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency at his official residence in Federal Administrative Center Putrajaya.

"I would like to wish all Chinese in the world, wherever they are at any part of the world, a very happy Chinese New Year through Xinhua News Agency,"Najib said. "I hope that this new lunar calendar year, the year of the Rabbit will bring much prosperity and will be a successful and productive year."

Najib also noted the 36-year-old special ties between Malaysia and China - a relationship which was first established by his father Abdul Razak, the second prime minister of Malaysia.

He stressed that Malaysia is determined to forge closer diplomatic relations with China in years ahead.

"The relationship between Malaysia and China is a very warm and strong relationship that was established way back in 1974, we were the first Southeast Asian to have established diplomatic relations with China," Najib said.

"Ever since that historic occasion, the relationship between the tow countries has developed from strength to strength and leaps and bounds and today it's the most important relationship that we have," Najib said. "I hope this relationship will bring much benefit to both Malaysia and China, I wish it can be developed further and strengthen and deepen this important relationship."

The prime minister had his Thursday occupied, attending numerous Spring Festival Open House, including the one held by the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) - the largest party that represents the ethnic Chinese in the country's ruling coalition.

Thousands attended the open house event at the party's headquarters, many of whom were tourists.

Malaysian leaders, ambassadors and attaches from foreign embassies were among the invited guests at the event.

The Open House is a Malaysian tradition during celebrations where people open their doors to welcome guests and even strangers into their homes.

He then held a live teleconference with Malaysians residing in seven cities in the world, including Guangzhou, China, and sent his greetings.

About 26 percent of Malaysia's 27 million population are ethnic Chinese.