Liew (fourth left), flanked by Yeoh (on her left) and Dr Oh, pressing the horn to set off the JOM! Malaysia-China Friendship Run 2025 at Padang Merdeka on Sunday. Second from left is Zhu.
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor in flagging off the JOM! Malaysia-China Friendship Run 2025 organised by the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah, at 6.30am at Padang Merdeka here today.
She was joined by the Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu Zhu Xinglong, Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tan Lee Fatt and the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah President Dr Oh Ei Sun.
Dr Oh said the objective of the Run was to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China.
Over 5,500 people participated in the 7km-Run along Likas Bay and back to Padang Merdeka from the Bay 21 roundabout.
Speaking to reporters after the flag-off, Liew commended the organisers for a successful event. “I hope interested tourists will get to participate in future runs as an additional activity when they are in town,” she said.
The Minister said she took pride in being a part of the meaningful celebration, adding there was a strong sense of camaraderie among the participants from both countries.
“As a cultural and sports exchange activity that has been held for many years, its significance is that it reaffirms the bilateral ties between Malaysia and China and perpetuates friendship, mutual respect and understanding between the people of the two countries because we share the same ideals of trust, peace and harmony,” added Liew.
