Salleh: Sultan got facts right in spat with Dr Mahathir

Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak says former PM’s criticism of mainland China investment in Johor has ulterior motive.

(FMT) – Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak has come out in support of the Sultan of Johor in the ruler’s war of words with former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Referring to the strongly worded comments made by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar against Mahathir’s criticism of the Forest City development project in Johor, Salleh said that we have to respect the ruler’s views.

“The Sultan of Johor has come out with a statement based on sound facts, that are the basis of any argument on the issue and we have to respect his views.

“It is also obvious from his comments that what is most important is our ability to attract foreign investors and it doesn’t matter from what country such investments come from,” Salleh told reporters here today after signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Information and Communications between Malaysia and Japan.

“If they invest in Malaysia, then obviously it is Malaysians who will benefit,” he added.

Salleh, who is also Umno treasurer, reiterated Sultan Ibrahim’s criticism of Mahathir playing a political game by highlighting the issue of mainland Chinese companies and individuals coming to the country.

“I believe Mahathir is using the foreign direct investment (FDI) issue as part of his political game to get the people to hate certain ethnic groups.

“That is why the Sultan has rightly responded to Mahathir’s attacks, questioning the former prime minister on the investments that came from Europe, Japan and India, among other countries, when he was prime minister.

“This also clearly shows that he seems to only have a problem with the mainland China investors. What is Mahathir’s issue and what’s his motive for trying to give such comments against the Chinese?” Salleh said.

“Such investment by the mainland Chinese helps our country get the benefits of development besides being a boost to our economy, and creating more jobs.

The minister had previously said in a statement how China was now a global behemoth with investments across the world.

“All over the world China is investing, going into partnerships, and is buying up assets like never before in history. This is a phenomena countries like Malaysia need to accept or else we will get left behind and perish,” he had said in a statement last week.

Yesterday, in an interview with a local daily, Sultan Ibrahim criticised Mahathir for trying to play “racial politics” in an attempt to drive away mainland China investments from the state.

“He’s playing the politics of fear and race, which have no place in Johor as I do not believe in racial politics.

“He (Mahathir) is insulting these rich Chinese property investors. They are not hard up for Malaysian citizenship. Many of them have properties in other countries including Australia and the United Kingdom.

“He (Mahathir) is not stupid, he is just selfish and opportunistic,” Sultan Ibrahim was quoted as saying.