KUALA LUMPUR: PENANG Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should get his facts right before accusing the government of curtailing foreign investments in the state, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said yesterday.
The international trade and industries minister said Lim’s allegations were unwarranted, with regards to the efforts and resources used by the government to promote Penang and boost investments in the state.
Mustapa said the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and Invest Penang, the state’s investment arm, had been working closely to ensure Penang’s position as one of the country’s top investment destinations.
Mustapa challenged Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, to prove the latter’s allegations which had been described as “preposterous”.
“Lim should ask Invest Penang and companies in the state to provide feedback on whether it is fair for him to make such blatant remarks. He should get his facts correct. I am sad and disappointed to see a chief minister using cheap publicity to promote himself.
“Lim’s remark undermines Mida and my efforts to promote investments in Malaysia. I would like the chief minister to show proof of his allegations,” said Mustapa.
A news portal reported on Friday that Lim had accused the Federal Government of sidelining the state from foreign investments.
Mustapa said the allegations were baseless, as evident by the launching of the Motorola Solutions Innoplex Research and Development (R&D) Centre which employed 1,200 local engineers.
“The opening of the company’s new R&D centre was realised through the collaboration between Mida and the state. A comprehensive incentive package was also offered by the Federal Government.”
He then elaborated on the government’s efforts to promote Penang and plans to attract investors to the state.
“Besides daily promotional activities by Mida, I led trade and investment missions overseas and invited each and every state government (leader) to participate. I also held roundtable meetings with Penang companies.”
He said Invest Penang was invited to speak at Mida’s Services Sector Investment Seminar in the state, to be held on Oct 17 and Nov 13.
“We are also planning to host a Semicon conference early next year in Penang, the first to be held in Malaysia.”