SELANGOR'S Trade, Industry and Investment executive councillor Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) has been getting the cold shoulder from officers of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority.

Yesterday, she raised her annoyance with International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"Since the day I was sworn in as the exco, I have not been able to make any appointments with its officers.

"I can't help but wonder if this reluctance had anything to do with orders from their superiors," she said in the Dewan Rakyat.

Kok asked if the International Trade and Industry Ministry would be willing to meet Pakatan Rakyat leaders to discuss and devise strategies to attract foreign investment.
Replying to her concerns, Muhyiddin said it would take time for Mida officers to adjust to the new state government in Selangor as they were not familiar with the administration.

"I have, however, related to my officers that if there is need by the state government to obtain information, to furnish it with the answers," he said.

Muhyiddin said the government was encouraging foreign investment in all states as this would contribute to the nation's development.

He gave an assurance that the government would not discriminate against the Pakatan Rakyat-led states.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, in welcoming Muhyiddin's statement, said the state would continue with its business-friendly policies and work with the federal government on ways to increase investments.

Lim said the people would benefit whether foreign investments went to Barisan Nasional or to the Pakatan Rakyat states.