KUALA LUMPUR: Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should not be rushed into handing over the premiership to his successor.
Azmin agreed with the stand taken by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir that the sitting premier should be given enough time to rectify national economic woes.
“Agreed,” he said when asked to respond to Mukhriz’s comment after opening the Graduan Aspire Career Fair at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Mukhriz was quoted by Nikkei Asian Review as saying that the time frame for the leadership transition was not fixed at two years as claimed by certain parties.
He insisted that there was no written or verbal agreement on the time frame.
On another matter, Azmin said Khazanah Nasional Bhd would explain its move to dispose of its entire equity stake in Desaru Investments (Cayman Isl) Ltd for a cash consideration of U$70mil (RM288.08mil) to Malakoff Gulf Ltd to improve its cash flow.
Azmin, who is a member of the Khazanah board of directors, said the focus should be
on domestic investment to stimulate economic growth.On a separate matter, he said the government was looking into providing special incentives to encourage small and medium industries (SMIs) to adopt robotic automation technology to boost productivity.
He said it was high time for the SMIs to keep abreast with the latest technology to enhance competitiveness.
But since it would be costly to invest in robotic automation technology, the government was looking at a more holistic approach to assist industry players, he said.
“Miti is looking into this,” he said, referring to the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
He also said the authorities would further improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training modules catering to the needs of the industry.
