“When investors see me their first question is not how is your economic outlook, but what is the prospect of political stability and racial and religious harmony? Some use politicisation of race and religion as game cards to win political favour,”
Indeed, since Najib took over premiership in April 2009, Malaysia has experienced some of its worst episodes of racial and religious bigotry. Early this year, ultra-Malay rights group Perkasa was formed with Mahathir as its patron.
The group has been featured in many top overseas financial reports and publications as reflecting the views of the Umno conservatives, who form the bulk of its membership. The perceived lack of political moderation in the ruling party has been cited as a key factor why Malaysia is no longer able to compete for FDI or regarded as a "stable" country.
“Mahathir is the one causing all the trouble and everyone knows it. He doesn’t want anybody to mess around with the outdated systems he set up decades ago. Now to cling to power, he is playing the race and religious card to hilt,"
"Of course, FDI won’t come in. That’s whyMahathir is saying, don’t chase for FDI. With him and Perkasa around, frankly, which investor would take the risk? Political stability is a must for investors. Then healthy competition, and costs that don't get bloated up because of corruption. Does Malaysia, as she is now, satisfy these criteria?"
04/04/10
Indeed, since Najib took over premiership in April 2009, Malaysia has experienced some of its worst episodes of racial and religious bigotry. Early this year, ultra-Malay rights group Perkasa was formed with Mahathir as its patron.
The group has been featured in many top overseas financial reports and publications as reflecting the views of the Umno conservatives, who form the bulk of its membership. The perceived lack of political moderation in the ruling party has been cited as a key factor why Malaysia is no longer able to compete for FDI or regarded as a "stable" country.
“Mahathir is the one causing all the trouble and everyone knows it. He doesn’t want anybody to mess around with the outdated systems he set up decades ago. Now to cling to power, he is playing the race and religious card to hilt,"
"Of course, FDI won’t come in. That’s whyMahathir is saying, don’t chase for FDI. With him and Perkasa around, frankly, which investor would take the risk? Political stability is a must for investors. Then healthy competition, and costs that don't get bloated up because of corruption. Does Malaysia, as she is now, satisfy these criteria?"
04/04/10
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