KL strengthens ties with CPC

KL strengthens ties with CPC

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's ruling National Front coalition said yesterday its strengthening of ties with the Communist Party of China (CPC) would not lead to a revival of socialism at home.

"Malaysia's stance on communism has not changed," Mohamed Rahmat, secretary-general of the National Front, said as he stressed the relationship with the CPC would not open new doors for the outlawed Communist Party of Malaya (CPM).

The CPM waged a bloody 41-year guerrilla war against Malaysia and Thailand before laying down arms in 1989 after signing peace agreements with Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok authorities.

Mohamed, who is Malaysia's information minister, led a National Front delegation to Beijing last month for talks with the CPC but officials said the trip was aimed at promoting governmental ties and had nothing to do with political ideology.