KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will take a neutral stand on any international conflict, including the ongoing trade war between the United States and China.
“Malaysia, under the Pakatan Harapan administration, will not interfere in any sort of war,” Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in Parliament today.
“We will continue to maintain good relations with the United States and China.
“If there are any effects, they could be in the form of US investments being transferred from China to Malaysia,” he said in his reply to an additional supplementary question from Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN – Ketereh).
Meanwhile, to an original question from Fong Kui Lan (PH DAP - Bukit Bintang) on a drop in tourist arrivals from China, the prime minister said it is not a sign of protest by the Chinese over the cancellation of projects and concessions which were inked between the previous Barisan Nasional government and the People’s Republic.
Instead, Dr Mahathir explained that the decrease in Chinese visitors is affecting many nations.
“There is a definite drop in the number of Chinese tourist arrivals, not only in Malaysia, but also other nations. During (China’s) national holidays, Chinese tourists take vacations (domestically, as well as overseas).
“We found that between Oct 1 and 7, there was a drop in the number of arrivals, however, the government believes that the figure will eventually return to normal,” he said.
Fong had asked whether the 30 per cent drop in tourist arrivals from China, compared to the same period last year, was a protest against the Malaysian government.
Replying to a related, supplementary question from Dr Ir Wee Ka Siong (BN – Ayer Hitam), Dr Mahathir said that the main reason for the decrease in Chinese visitors is the issuance of visas in the republic.
“Tourists need to pay for their visa and other costs, but it is implemented in China itself. Right now, there are some shortcomings in the service provided, which needs to be rectified.
“We will determine the amount they need to pay, in that it is not too expensive, as well as ensuring that the issuance of the visas are done in a speedy manner.
“The change in tourist arrival figures is a normal phenomenon … we will overcome it, so that the arrival numbers in Malaysia increase,” the prime minister added.