KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has picked Datuk Awang Hashim, a member of parliament from PAS, as the sole opposition representative to join the Dewan Rakyat delegation for a visit to China from September 23 to 28.

Johari said he wanted a member of parliament from PAS to learn how the Chinese government eliminated poverty in 50 years to become an economic giant.

“I want to deliver the message to PAS that it should learn from China,” he said during an interview with Sin Chew Daily.

Johari said Pendang MP Awang Hashim, an accountant, is active in parliament and he sees the potential in him.

“This is why he has been invited to join the delegation.

“I will reward those who are active in Dewan Rakyat,” he said.

Johari said Islam was spread to China earlier than Malaysia, and PAS should visit China to see how Muslims live in China.

Majority of Muslims in China were able to contribute to the nation, he said.

The delegation led by Johari will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.

This is Johari’s first visit to China in his capacity as the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat upon invitation of Zhao following a bilateral meeting on May 18 in Kuala Lumpur.

Others in the delegation are Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, Ipoh Barat member of parliament M. Kulasegaran and Miri member of parliament Chiew Choon Man.

The visit is believed to boost investment and business collaboration between the two countries.