KUALA LUMPUR: 'Panda diplomacy' continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening China-Malaysia bilateral relations, and the presence of the two giant pandas in Zoo Negara underscores the growing friendship and mutual cooperation between the two countries.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi, the two giant pandas in Zoo Negara, were loaned from China to Malaysia on May 21, 2014, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Malaysia-China relations.
Ten years have passed, and Zoo Negara is hoping for an extension of the panda loan for at least another two years.
Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said the bears were symbols of the good diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China.
"The pandas' presence in both our countries encourages cultural exchange by providing people an opportunity to learn about each other's traditions and values.
"Through events and programmes centred around the pandas, people from both nations can engage with each other's culture, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation," he said in a recent interview with the New Straits Times.
In comparison, Singapore's pandas, which arrived in 2012, received an extension on their 10-year loan for another five years and are due to be returned to China in 2027.
Zoo Negara was previously recognised by the Chinese government as one of the world's best caretakers of giant pandas.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi (then renamed Xing Xing and Liang Liang), have had three offsprings, which are Nuan Nuan, born on Aug 18, 2015; Yi Yi, on Jan 14, 2018; and Sheng Yi born May 30, 2021.
All three panda cubs had been returned to China as part of the agreement signed between Malaysia and China.
At present, there are at least 65 giant pandas on loan from China in 18 countries.
Rosly said Malaysia's strong ties with China was proven in the application for the black-and-white furballs in 2014.
He said neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Thailand needed at least six years before their application for the panda 'diplomats' arrived in their countries.
"Guess how long it took for China to approve our proposal for pandas? Two months.
"This shows how close both countries are."
Rosly has developed a strong liking for Xing Xing and Liang Liang, and keeps a framed picture of the pandas and himself on the shelf behind his work desk.
He hoped the government would ink a deal to extend the lease of the pandas, but understood that the power to decide was in China's hands.