The formulated strategies and plans would be presented to the fiscal policy committee chaired by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad(pic), while the DMO will be chaired by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng
TOKYO (Bernama): Japanese giant companies have pledged their commitment to expand their investments and businesses in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In a special media conference with Malaysian journalists here Friday (May 31), Dr Mahathir said all the 19 Japanese companies he met in a business dialogue on Thursday (May 30) had expressed their support for the country and would campaign to get more Japanese companies to invest in Malaysia.
"The Japanese conglomerates were from various sectors, ranging from health to financial services, and all of them have expressed their desire to expand their business, or invest in new projects in Malaysia,” he said after concluding his three-day working visit to Japan.
On Thursday (May 30), Dr Mahathir attended the Malaysia-Japan Business Dialogue - jointly organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Japan External Trade Organisation - to meet with top Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, Sankyu, Mitsui & Co, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and NEC.
When asked on whether there were any scepticism from foreign investors on the Malaysian economy, Dr Mahathir said they were always positive on the country.
"They look very positive. The ones who are always sceptical are the media, they are still saying that we are not doing well despite the fact that the country's economy is growing," he said
The Prime Minister said many parties have failed to recognise the fact that the Pakatan Harapan’s peaceful and democratic takeover of the government was an achievement.
"Most countries will experience violence. But here, we've done a lot of things, settling the big debts of the previous government, helping Felda and Tabung Haji, and much more.
"The government is also willing to provide financial assistance despite being cash-strapped because much of the money went to servicing loans," he said.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir held a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, where the Japanese premier also gave his assurance to help Malaysia rejuvenate its economy.
Abe raised some international issues, particularly on Malaysia’s membership in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
"We have joined but have yet to ratify (the TPP) because we are concerned about some domestic policies which may not be acceptable to TPP, but he assured me that exemptions can be made,” Dr Mahathir said.
Accompanied by his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the Prime Minister left for Kuala Lumpur at 3.20pm local time Friday, after ending a three-day working visit to Japan. - Bernama
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