PROMINENT lawyer Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has remarked on the decline of the British Empire, citing challenges such as the struggling National Health Service (NHS) and diminished investment appeal.
Against this backdrop, Malaysia continues to assert its economic influence. But Zaid criticised the Malaysian government for assistance to the crumbling British Empire with investment from Malaysian companies in the UK.
Following the iconic Battersea project in London, Malaysian conglomerates YTL Corp Bhd and Gamuda Bhd are set to build 30,000 homes in Bristol, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim present to support the venture.
Zaid sarcastically lauded Malaysia’s growth, portraying the nation as a global benefactor.
“Not just the NHS, but investing in Britain is not even the top choice anymore. But don’t worry, Malaysia is there to help. First, it was Battersea in London. Now, 30,000 homes will be built in Bristol by YTL-Gamuda. Anwar was there to cheer them.
“Now, I know we are an economic powerhouse. Our people have all the amenities we need, and now we roam the seas to help others less fortunate,” he wrote on X.
However, Zaid’s post, typically known for its controversial nature failed to gain traction among users on X.
Instead, a significant number of users on the platform mocked him for criticising Anwar’s participation in events highlighting private Malaysian companies’ investments in the UK.
The British Empire is crumbling.
Not just the NHS, but investing in Britain is not even the top choice anymore. But don’t worry—Malaysia is there to help.
First, it was Battersea in London. Now, 30,000 homes will be built in Bristol by YTL Gamuda. PMX was there to cheer them…
— Zaid Ibrahim (@zaidibrahim) January 16, 2025
Many were not happy that Zaid chose to attack Anwar over the actions of private entities in the UK. They informed Zaid there was a difference in private companies investing in and building houses in the UK and that of government ventures in foreign lands.
Last time I checked,.YTL Gamuda isn’t an MOF GLC. What’s wrong with PMX gracing the event? Was taxpayer money involved in the investment decision made by YTL? …come now…you’re on that slippery slope of everything makes a fool you
— umbrab3llator (@umbrab3llator) January 18, 2025
Another user said there is nothing wrong with Malaysian companies having a global presence.
The user said it is the case for Malaysian planters and oil and gas players to invest in foreign lands, so why not the builders?
Nothing wrong abt Malaysian companies having global presence. Not only does the conglomerate diversify its risks but you develop new skill sets of managing a multinational organisation. Malaysian planters do this, oil n gas too , why not our construction sector.
— Mudhafakah Nasional (@mudhafakah) January 18, 2025
Nevertheless, the few who agreed with Zaid asked what is there to be so proud of in this investment into the UK. They believe it is more beneficial for Malaysia to bring in more foreign direct investment instead. — Jan 18, 2025
Excellent point. Success for a developing, middle-income nation like Malaysia is when Foreign Dirrct Investment (FDI) flows from first world nations to Malaysia. What’s so proud about the reverse flow? Note: FDI incl. private investments.
— Kee-Hian (@KeeHianTan) January 17, 2025
Main photo credit: The Star
