China's ambassador to Malaysia, Bai Tian, today praised Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a "very adorable leader" in his 90s after paying him a courtesy call.

At the launching of the Alibaba Group's office in Kuala Lumpur, Bai Tian said he was forced to redo his diplomacy tasks all over again after a change of government in the May 9 general election.

He met Mahathir and Council of Eminent Persons chairperson Daim Zainuddin, whom he also described as adorable.

"The first person I met was Daim, who is a very nice and adorable man in his 80s. He is very wise and friendly. I must look to him for his wisdom," he said in a speech.

"The second meeting I had was with Dr Mahathir, the new prime minister and a very adorable man in his 90s.

"He is adorable in my eyes, not only because of the fact that he is the most senior leader in the world still serving his country, but also (because) he is regarded by the Chinese people as a long-respected friend," he said. 

Citing a traditional Chinese belief that two individuals who share the same family name must somehow be related for 500 years, he said Mahathir whose name starts with "Ma" (horse) must be related to Jack Ma.

"They may very well be related to each other, though I don't know how. But at least I can tell for sure that they have one thing in common, which is wisdom."

Bai had visited Mahathir and pledged that the diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China remain close.

At today's event, he said his main task since assuming office six months ago was to showcase Malaysia to the Chinese and China to Malaysians.

Bai, however, admitted that it would be a difficult job as it was not easy to appease both sides.