Investors free to choose business locations, says PM’s aide
16 Jan 2025
Investors have full freedom to choose where to invest in Malaysia, without government restrictions, whether the states are governed by the ruling party or the opposition, said a senior aide to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“After discussions are carried out, it is the investors themselves who choose the state based on their suitability,” said Datuk Azman Abidin, political-secretary to Anwar yesterday.
“For instance, if an investor feels that their investment would be suitable in Perlis and receives good cooperation in the state, they are welcome to invest in Perlis, Kedah, or any state, including those under the opposition.”
Azman said that government agencies such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) can facilitate investors looking to invest in opposition states.
“MATRADE and MITI can act as facilitators to assist these investors who wish to invest in opposition-led states. This includes verification matters before they negotiate with local representatives,” he said.
Azman said Anwar’s growing international reputation has positively influenced investors’ confidence to invest in Malaysia.
“I can say that foreign investors are eager to invest in this country because they are impressed with our hardworking and globally recognised Prime Minister. For example, Japan’s Prime Minister (Shigeru Ishiba) chose Malaysia recently, saying that one of his primary reasons was to meet Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as he had heard about his remarkable reputation and global popularity,” he said.
Malaysia continues to hold a prominent position on the global investment radar. In the first half of 2024, the country secured RM160 billion in investments, an 18 per cent year-on-year increase, driven by strong economic fundamentals.
Azman, who was on a one-day visit to Perlis, engaged with 600 underprivileged individuals across the three constituencies of Kangar, Arau, and Padang Besar. At the Ihsan Madani Contribution event, Azman disbursed a total of RM120,000 in cash, with each recipient receiving RM200.
Source: NST
