And I want to add that when Malaysia decided to establish diplomatic ties with China, China was a very different country than it is today. Back then, it was a very bold and momentous decision for Malaysia to make.

In what ways do you think China and Malaysia can join hands in fighting against the ongoing world economic crisis and promoting regional prosperity?

There are several ways in which we can work together in terms of trying to deal with the effects of global recession. One is for both countries to ensure that there is enough domestic demand. If China, for example, can ensure that domestic demand remains high in its country, it will help the Malaysian economy and the regional economies because it can generate demand for some of our products. And we have seen in the last four months some of the figures have slightly increased, which is due to renewed demand from China. Second, the purchase of important products such as palm oil from Malaysia will certainly help the Malaysian economy and ensure that the price of such products stays at a reasonably high level. Third, it will be important that we have some sort of understanding that we both support open trade, we don't embark on protectionism and we encourage investment flows between our two countries.

There is a growing economic view that if we address the global imbalances which caused this global financial crisis, that will mean a reduction in demand for exports in many importing countries that suffer from trade deficits. That could have severe implications for countries like Malaysia, which has benefited from the export development model, and China as well. What are your views on the issue in the long term?

There are indications that it will take a few more years before our demand is back at the same level it was prior to the financial crisis. For example, the U.S. banking system is still dysfunctional, and they are talking about an additional $75 billion to re-capitalize the banks. So we have to look at different modalities, looking in terms of how we can leverage on Malaysia's opportunities to attract foreign investment. Some investors may not have the needed technologies, so our classical way of encouraging foreign investment will be inviting them to invest in specific areas. We have to take a fresh look at the situation and I am coming up with a new economic model for Malaysia. We will try to transform Malaysia from a high middle-income country to a high-income country, so we do need a new economic model for this.

Some people say Malaysia will become the center of finance for Islamic nations, could you please tell us more about that? And also, you mentioned a new economic model and transforming Malaysia from a high middle-income to a high-income country. What criteria do you have for this goal?

Malaysia is already the most advanced economy among Islamic countries around the world, because we have the whole range of Islamic products in this country. We are the leader in terms of Islamic finance-for example, more than 60 percent of Islamic bonds are issued in Malaysia, which is a good indication of our strength. The Central Bank of Malaysia has also set up institutions to develop our capacities and offer opportunities for others to learn, for instance, Islamic banking and Islamic finance. We have the necessary legislation in place, and that is one of the reasons I announced part of the liberalization in financial services. We will create giant Islamic banks in Malaysia. I have been told it has aroused great interest for Islamic countries to establish new banking licenses in Malaysia. I think the future looks good in this regard.

In terms of the new economic model for Malaysia, basically, we know where we want to go, but the question is how we shall get there. We are looking for a new economic model but haven't yet found the growth areas that will give us high-value income. For example, we have been talking about making Malaysia into a regional center for medical tourism, including treating patients from China, or even undergoing plastic surgery. That is only an example of the high-value industry we can create, because we know that when you build a hospital, you will have a lot of people as support staff-medical technicians, for instance-who will be well paid. So the key for us is to identify the most appropriate areas. Even in agriculture, we can develop high-value agriculture, selling bird's nest to China and Hong Kong, which is a big industry in Malaysia. I am keen to push Malaysian people into high-value sectors. So we are in the process of identifying those industries or sectors that can generate high income, including the services sector.

The Sino-Malaysian relationship is in a golden period now, but can you think of any problems that might affect our relations? What do you want to see happen the most in our relations?

I believe that we can deepen our relationship. I am looking at attracting more investment from China, so that Chinese capital will be more visible in Malaysia. Although we are beginning to see Chinese investment, we think this is a good time for us to increase the impact and profile of Chinese investment in Malaysia. We are also looking at some new technologies that China can offer. I would like to see more visitors from China. I would also like to establish a warm official as well as personal relationship with Chinese leaders, so that there is a great deal of comfort as we deal with one another. I would like to send a very clear signal to the business communities of both sides: We should look at each other in terms of opportunities, and promote the enlargement or enhancement of our trade, investment and business opportunities.

People are saying you will follow in your father's footsteps and open a new chapter in our bilateral ties. Do you have any constructive plan for that?

I don't want to raise your expectations so high. I will certainly do my best, because I am a great believer in a strong Malaysia-China relationship, so I will be looking at ways and means by which I can really strengthen and deepen our relationship and bring it to a higher level.

The Concept of "One Malaysia"

"One Malaysia, People First, and Performance Now"-this slogan was put forward by Najib Tun Razak as he was sworn in as the sixth prime minister of Malaysia on April 3. The concept of "One Malaysia" is meant to develop a sense of belonging and togetherness as well as creating mutual respect and acceptance among the people of Malaysia. It is aimed at engaging all Malaysian ethnic groups to unite and work together as one people, overcoming the existing racial barriers and looking at the needs of each community so as to build Malaysia into a more harmonious and prosperous nation.