KUALA LUMPUR – A cabinet paper on the country’s new investment policy will be tabled tomorrow, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
The new policy will attract more high-quality investors in an effort to make Malaysia a high-income nation, and is expected to be implemented immediately, he added.
“The policy focuses on digitalisation, innovation and technology.
“In fact, during my recent working visits to South Korea and Japan, they welcome the implementation of the new investment policy.”
He said the policy is in line with environmental, social and governance criteria.
On the latest investment in the country by global technology giant Microsoft, Azmin said this is proof that foreign investors are still confident in investing in Malaysia.
“Therefore, the country must be prepared to provide and prioritise local manpower and talent to meet the needs of this industry.”
Yesterday, Muhyiddin announced that Microsoft has agreed to invest US$1 billion (RM4.1 billion) over the next five years in Malaysia as part of a new partnership programme with government agencies and local companies to operate the country’s first regional data centre.
The investment is expected to generate US$4.6 billion in revenue, besides creating for locals 19,000 jobs, including 4,000 IT-related ones.
On the likely move by opposition MPs to send a second letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today, seeking his consent to accept the petition of appeal to end the emergency, Azmin said they should instead use the independent special committee.
He said the committee, which also includes opposition MPs, is the right channel to submit any emergency-related proposal to the king. – Bernama, April 20, 2021
