Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar’s Emotional State Visit to China
In a touching moment during his state visit to China, Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar opened up to Chinese President Xi Jinping about his late son, Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Ibrahim, who tragically passed away in 2015 after battling liver cancer. The emotional exchange took place during their talks at the Great Hall of The People on September 20, bringing tears to the King’s eyes as he expressed his gratitude to China for the assistance provided to his son during his medical treatment.
The Heartfelt Story
- Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Ibrahim, the fourth of six siblings, was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer.
- In December 2014, he underwent a successful liver transplant at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong, thanks to the support from China.
- Despite the initial success of the operation, Tunku Abdul Jalil tragically lost his battle with the disease and passed away at the young age of 25.
A Touching Gesture
Both President Xi Jinping and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were deeply moved by Sultan Ibrahim’s heartfelt recount of his son’s journey. Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who was part of the delegation, shared that the Chinese officials were touched by the King’s love for his son and his ties to Chinese heritage.
A Connection to China
During the meeting, Sultan Ibrahim revealed to President Xi that his great-grandmother hailed from Guangdong, with the name Huang Yajiao, highlighting the King’s Chinese ancestry. This revelation prompted President Xi to instruct officials to trace Sultan Ibrahim’s family tree in Guangdong, showcasing the deepening bond between Malaysia and China.
Historic State Visit
This visit marks a significant milestone for both nations, as it is the first state visit by a Malaysian King to China in a decade. The occasion holds special significance as Malaysia and China commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Future Collaborations
Sultan Ibrahim commended China for its remarkable progress and development, acknowledging the country’s advancements. He also extended a warm invitation to President Xi to visit Malaysia, fostering further opportunities for collaboration and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
In conclusion, the emotional exchange between Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar and Chinese President Xi Jinping not only highlights the personal connection between the two leaders but also symbolizes the enduring friendship and shared heritage between Malaysia and China. This state visit not only commemorates a significant milestone in diplomatic relations but also paves the way for future collaborations and mutual growth between the two nations.