SUBANG MP and PKR member Wong Chen said it is only a matter of time for the massive foreign direct investment (FDI) promised by foreign firms to start making an impact on Malaysians.
Speaking at the Sungai Bakap By-Election Unity Talk at Tasek Junjong last night (June 28), he said the massive inflow of FDI from the US, Europe and China into the country will create abundant new job opportunities.
Recently, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad showed scepticism about the government’s claims of increased inflows of foreign investment, saying “nothing is happening” on the ground.
“We are told that there is a lot of FDI coming in from companies like Microsoft and Apple.
“But on the ground, nothing is happening. We don’t see any progress being made. Until we see (tangible actions), we cannot take the proposals seriously,” remarked the nonagenarian.
However, the influx of FDI is not nonsense and more jobs will be created in the next few months, according to Wong Chen.
“Foreign investors in the past 3–4 months have reached (bringing in) RM60–100 bil (capital). At the end of this year and next year many factories will be opened.
“If possible, give us some time. In six months, with a solid government, new policies, and investment from the West and China, our economy will recover and be glorious. Give us some more time,” he added.
Wong also stated that the entry of FDI is not by chance but because of the confidence of investors from foreign countries who see that the political atmosphere in Malaysia has stabilised with the coalition government of Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional and friends in Sabah and Sarawak.
Therefore, he pointed out many technology giants agreed to increase investment or make new investments in Malaysia.
“I am the chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Relations and International Trade.
“I told them that in 3–4 months, I met Amazon, I met Nvidia people, I met Google, Microsoft. Including companies from China. They will all invest in Malaysia,” Wong further added.
“Why did they start investing? Because after a year with the unity government we have not broken up, we have a good discussion in the unity government.” – June 29, 2024
