Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Quarrel Over Impact Of Demonstration In Selangor State Assembly

SHAH ALAM, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- A Selangor executive councillor and Barisan Nasional (BN) representative were at each other's throats in the State Assembly Tuesday over the impact of demonstration on efforts to draw investments.

It happened after Lau Weng San (DAP-Kampung Tunku) posed a supplementary question on the political situation in the state and how it influences the investment climate.

In reply, State Investment, Industry and Trade Committee Chairman Teresa Kok said that following her detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) last month, Selangor had missed an opportunity to get a foreigner from the solar industry to invest in the state.

"It's true I am hoping for a just and more transparent political climate at least for foreign investors to see and have confidence to put money in Malaysia," she said during the question and answer session.

The response prompted Datuk Mohamad Satim Diman (BN-Seri Serdang) to stand up and pose another question whether the demonstrations staged by Pakatan Rakyat had caused anxiety among foreign investors.

Kok responded by asking Satim whether he was aware now that the demonstrators in Selangor were not only from Pakatan Rakyat but also from the BN.

She said most demonstrations held by Pakatan Rakyat were in a stadium and after obtaining the permit while the BN staged one at the State Secretary Building.

She added that in developed countries, many demonstrations were held but their economies remained stable. Hence, she said she belived that investors were afraid of investing in Selangor not because of demonstration but because of the use of the ISA.

The quarrel did not end there, forcing the intervention of Speaker Teng Chang Khim. Both sides staged demonstrations but investments kept on coming to the state, he said.

Replying to Mohd Isa Abu Kasim (BN-Batang Kali) earlier, Kok said that from April to October this year, 130 manufacturing projects worth RM5.19 billion were approved in Selangor.

Of the total, RM4.16 billion was foreign investment.

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