KUALA LUMPUR: Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today spent about half an hour meeting with representatives of the Chinese community from China living in Malaysia, as well as those from the Malaysian Chinese community.
Held at a hotel here, the gathering was attended by more than 400 people.
The group included Chinese embassy staff and their family members, investors, businessmen and students.
The Malaysian Chinese community present comprised, among others, entrepreneurs and leaders of various Malaysian Chinese associations.
Among them were Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri William Cheng, and Malaysia-China Friendship Association secretary-general and Hai-O Enterprise Berhad group managing director Tan Kai Hee.
Tan said that among others, Wen advised the Chinese community from China in Malaysia to co-exist peacefully with locals.
"He advised them to respect the law and make friends with the other communities in the spirit of unity," Tan said after the meeting.
He said Wen did not touch on political and economic issues at the event which was closed to media.
Tan described the Chinese premier as a man with a good heart.
"I think that he's a concerned leader. He asked that chairs be provided to the elderly at the gathering. He pays attention to seemingly small details," headded.
Wen arrived here yesterday for a two-day official visit to Malaysia.
He is being accompanied by a 118-member delegation, including four ministers.