OCTOBER 13 — The remark by YAB Tuan Lim Guan Eng that the Federal Government and MIDA have stopped introducing investors to Penang over the past year is preposterous. Lim is irresponsible in making such a remark.

The Government and MIDA have been promoting Malaysia as an investment destination for the last 47 years and we have never discriminated bringing investments or granting any incentives based on State’s preference. The decision to invest, among other factors is determined by the companies’ evaluation of the site location.

Despite ups and downs, Penang remains one of the top investment destinations in the country for foreign investors especially in the E&E and medical devices industries because of its history, established infrastructure and the strong industry ecosystem.

For the period of 2011-September 2014, MIDA Penang has facilitated more than 200 visits from foreign companies to the state. MIDA has held numerous workshops and briefings on the Domestic Investment Strategic Fund to industry associations and companies in Penang since the fund was introduced in July 2012.

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Come October 17th and November 13th, MIDA will be hosting a Services Sector Investment Seminar in Penang and will also be participating in an SMEs conference, respectively. MIDA has invited INVEST Penang to be a speaker at the Services Conference. In addition, we are also planning to host a SEMICON Conference early next year, the first time ever in Malaysia in Penang.

Besides MIDA, the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) is also promoting the northern states, including Penang, into a world-class economic region.

I was in Penang on 26th August to launch the Motorola Solutions Innoplex R&D centre, a centre that employs 1,200 local engineers. This centre is involved in designing, developing and producing communications devices for the global market. The opening of the company’s new R&D centre in Penang was realized through collaboration between MIDA, the State and a comprehensive incentive package offered by the Federal Government.

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Besides the promotional activities done by MIDA on a daily basis, I have also personally led Trade and Investment Missions overseas in which we invite every state government to participate without any prejudice. I have also held roundtable meetings with Penang companies every time when I visit Penang.

The allegation by Lim is unwarranted and uncalled for given the amount of efforts and resources that the Government and MIDA have put in over the years to promote Penang and facilitate investors in the State. Lim should ask INVEST PENANG and the companies in the State to provide feedback whether it is fair for him to make such blatant remarks. He should get his facts correct before he shoots. I am sad and disappointed for a Chief Minister to use such cheap publicity to promote himself.

Lim’s remark undermines MIDA and my efforts in promoting investments in Malaysia. As Minister responsible for trade and investments, I would like the Chief Minister to show proof of his allegations.

* Datuk Dri Mustapa Mohamed is the Minister of International Trade and Industry.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.