PEKAN: Investments from China into Malaysia should not be differentiated from those from other countries as the world economy is now closely intertwined.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that there is virtually no difference between the RM144 billion in investments from China last year and Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from other nations.
"It is unfortunate that there are certain quarters that (try) to turn (the investments from China) into a controversy," said Najib, who is also Pekan member of Parliament.
He made these remarks in a speech during a session with the Chinese community at SJK(C) Pekan this afternoon.
He said that in a globalised interconnected world, investments, whether from China or other countries, would still benefit Malaysia, and this includes China's importation of oil palm.
Najib said not only has China’s demand pushed up the price of oil palm, it has also benefited Malaysian smallholders who grow oil palm.
He noted that investment from China has also led to an agreement to build the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), connecting Kuala Lumpur with east coast states, among other benefits.
"Please ignore attempts by certain parties to spread confusion and instigation for political mileage," he said, before wishing attendees a happy Chinese New Year, which drew cheers from the crowd.
Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, state Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Ishak Muhamad, Chini assemblyman Datuk Abu Bakar Harun, Bebar assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Fakhruddin Mohamad Ariffin and Pekan MCA chief Yeo Boon Geok.