Pandas renamed Xing Xing and Liang Liang

KUALA LUMPUR: Panda duo, Fu Wa and Feng Yi, were renamed as Xing Xing (prosperity) and Liang Liang (pretty) respectively.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak made the announcement during the opening of the Giant Panda Conservation Centre and the 50th anniversary celebration of Zoo Negara here today.
Najib said the names were picked from the winners of the "Giant Pandas Naming Contest" organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in 2012.
In his opening speech, Najib said the public would be able to visit the pandas starting from June 28, with a 30 days free entry given to children, senior citizens, orphanages and the disabled.
Najib said the loan of the two pandas from China is a sign of good diplomatic relations between both countries.
"So far, China has sent 23 pandas to only 14 countries throughout the globe. Therefore, this is a clear sign and symbol of a strong partnership between both countries," he said.
Najib said his visit to China this year to commemorate the 40 years of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties was a success.
Also present at today's event were China's vice administrator of state and forestry administration Li Dongsheng and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Seri G.Palanivel.
Earlier in his speech, Li congratulated the Malaysian government for strengthening ties between the two countries through the Giant Pandas Conservation Centre.
He added that the act of sending the pandas will help to further develop mutual understanding between both countries.
"We hope this relationship will last forever with the arrival of the pandas," he said.