JOHOR BARU: The ongoing investigations into Network School are not expected to affect efforts to attract investments into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), says Lee Ting Han (pic).
The state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman said both existing and prospective investors understood that Malaysia’s laws and regulations applied equally to everyone.
“Compliance with our laws is a basic expectation for all businesses operating in the country.
“As long as investors, whether domestic or foreign, obey Malaysian laws and regulations, and respect our culture, customs and sovereignty, there is nothing to worry about,” he said when contacted.
Lee said no individual or company, including investors, would be exempted from complying with Malaysian laws.
He also said the investigations into Network School would not affect the Johor government’s relationship with existing investors or its engagement with potential investors looking to establish operations in the JS-SEZ.
Forest City welcomed the government’s swift action, saying it had fully cooperated with the authorities.
The master developer said it appreciated the professionalism shown by the enforcement agencies and welcomed the findings announced so far.
This came following the remarks by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo that any breach of the law or licensing requirements must be investigated with appropriate action taken if wrongdoing was established.
“Forest City has always operated in strict accordance with Malaysian laws, government policies and regulatory requirements.
“No tenant, operator or organisation is above the law,” the company said in a statement, adding that matters involving licensing, immigration or regulatory compliance should be determined through due process by the relevant authorities.
The company also said its role as master developer was to support the Johor government’s vision of developing the JS-SEZ and the Forest City Special Financial Zone into globally competitive hubs for high-value investments, digital innovation and emerging industries.
Forest City said while Network School was among the organisations attracted to the investment ecosystem, it is still subject to Malaysian laws, licensing requirements and regulatory oversight.
It reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any breach of the law, licensing conditions, immigration regulations or misuse of premises.
Recently, Network School came under scrutiny following allegations that Israeli nationals were among its participants.
