Now we can be more selective in accepting investments, says PM
29 Oct 2024
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia now has reached a stage at which it may be selective in terms of the type of investment coming into the country.
“Previously, we welcomed all data centres (to invest in Malaysia); now, we don’t.
“We will accept data centre investments only if they include a centre of excellence, artificial intelligence, and training exposure. Otherwise, we will not accept them.
“We have an advantage here because we have reached a point where we can be more selective about the type of investments we receive,” Anwar said at the Malaysian Madani Scholars Forum: The Energy Sector as a Catalyst for Sustainable and Inclusive Socioeconomic Growth.
He said the achievement was attributed to good relationships between Malaysia and many countries in the world.
Despite the good relations with various countries, Anwar reminded the importance for Malaysia to balance the factor with its support towards Palestine amid the conflict between the country and Israel currently.
“I know that sometimes when it comes to our stance on Gaza, we must also consider the country’s interests but to me, when young children and women are killed daily, there are limits.
“That is why I mentioned in the Cabinet meeting that on the issue of Gaza, we will still express our position strongly—whether in front of (Joe) Biden (U.S President) or (Antony) Blinken (U.S Secretary of State) —because I believe they have disregarded all humanitarian considerations.
“At the same time, we must balance this to ensure that investments can grow so that our country remains strong.
“So, we must also build internal strength.
“But building internal strength does not mean to oppose others, but rather to protect our nation’s interests, security, and future,” he said.
Source: NST
