MCA wants Muhyiddin to explain how China FDIs threaten Malaysians

PETALING JAYA: MCA has rubbished Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's claim that opening up Malaysia to more mainland Chinese investments will threaten Malaysians.

Its publicity bureau chairman Datuk Chai Kim Sen questioned how the former deputy prime minister can think that the RM144bil in foreign direct investments (FDIs) China plans for Malaysia will negatively affect the livelihoods of Malaysians.

"An enlightened Muhyiddin should explain to the public how any form of FDI jeopardises people's rice bowls," said Chai in a statement Tuesday.

He called on Muhyiddin to propose an alternative to generate income for Malaysians to "substitute permanent removal of FDIs".

"Rejecting and pretending to be clueless as to how China's investments generate jobs and technology transfer for Malaysia, Muhyiddin is now toeing DAP's anti-China line that 'Umno is selling out the country'," he said.

Chai said he finds it hypocritical of Muhyiddin to denounce the attempts to bring in more investment from the world power, considering he himself had visited Beijing in 2014 for a roundtable meeting to grow trade relations when he was deputy prime minister.

He added that Muhyiddin should then also look to Opposition leaders Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali who have led delegations abroad to raise investments for their states.

It was reported that Muhyiddin had criticised government efforts to draw in more investment from China, saying it is "opening the floodgates for the foreign power to influence local political parties".

He claimed that Malaysians are not pleased with the developments, as the investments will rob local industries of economic opportunities.