‘Long time no see’: HK actor Tony Leung happy to be back in Malaysia

Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai received a warm welcome from hundreds of Malaysian fans after making an appearance at The Exchange TRX on Friday (Dec 22).

The 61-year-old, along with director Felix Chong and producer Ronald Wong, are currently in town to promote their upcoming film The Goldfinger, which will be hitting cinemas on Dec 30.

Prior to the gala premiere in Kuala Lumpur, Leung held a press conference where he shared his feelings about returning to Malaysia after a long time.

“I used to travel to Malaysia a lot in the 1980s. There’s a warm feeling because returning here this time is like coming back to a familiar place and meeting old friends,” he said.

The movie star added that he wants to enjoy the prawn noodles here when asked if he’d return to Malaysia more often in the future.

The Goldfinger marks the onscreen reunion of Leung and fellow artiste Andy Lau, who last teamed up in the classic Infernal Affairs trilogy 20 years ago.

Set in the 1980s, the crime thriller documents the rise and fall of a giant conglomerate and its chairman Ching Yat Yin (Leung), who undergoes a 15-year investigation headed by senior investigator Lau Kai Yuen (Lau).

The film also stars Charlene Choi, Simon Yam, Alex Fong and Philip Keung.

At the press conference, Leung revealed the two factors that got him to join The Goldfinger – its intriguing storyline and the prospect of working with Lau, 62, once more.

“There’s a sense of security knowing that you’re working with people you’re familiar with.

“Andy and I are good friends, and our great chemistry is built on trust. Whenever we’re on set, there’s no need for any special communication. Just one glance and we both understand each other,” he added.

Leung – who made history as the first actor to have completed a sweep of the top acting honours at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards, the Hong Kong Film Awards and China’s Golden Rooster Awards – said he has no desire to retire anytime soon.

“I hope that I can shoot as many films as I can and collaborate with more filmmakers in the future,” he said.

As for whether or not fans can expect to see Leung collaborating with his wife, Hong Kong actress Carina Lau, the movie star responded no.

“I’ve already acted with my wife once, and it felt very weird,” he joked.