KUALA LUMPUR: To draw investors, it is important to ensure that the country’s justice system is truly free of government interference, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“The news of the 47 corruption charges of a senior government leader being dropped on the instructions of the Attorney General after he was called to defend himself in court is not a good example for the independence of the country’s justice system,” he said while debating the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review (12MP MTR) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Sept 13).
“Investors will compare us to third-world nations which are seen as rogue states,” he added.
While Muhyiddin did not mention names, he was likely referring to the discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) granted to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi case.
Muhyiddin said the government must place importance on improving investor confidence by implementing pro-investor policies which are fair and the allocation of resources to each state.
He said Malaysia is in need of a clear economic direction and a holistic strategy with a conducive ecosystem to spur economic recovery, investments in advanced technology and make the country a business-friendly destination.
Touching on the aspect of good governance and integrity to rebuild the people’s confidence and trust which were one of the thrusts of the 12MP, Muhyiddin said he has doubts that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be able to fulfil his aspirations.
“It has barely been a year since the government came into power, and the promises of reformasi propagated over the past 20 years have now become ‘reformati’,” he said.
He said while there are expansion plans for the Penang Airport and redevelopment of the Subang Airport, both of which are located in the Pakatan Harapan states, there are no updates on the Kulim Airport in Perikatan Nasional-led Kedah.
“The same goes with the promise for equal allocation for government and opposition MPs which has not been implemented.
“Where has the trust, fairness and integrity gone?” he asked.
On March 7, Anwar said that he wasn’t against proposals to give the same funding enjoyed by backbencher MPs to the Opposition.
However, he said there has to be a discussion between the Opposition and the government first.
