GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia recently secured RM170 billion in investment commitments from China, the largest in the country's history of trade and investments with the republic
Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said it was not just the investments in billions but more importantly, the prospect of employment for local workers.
He said Anwar, when welcoming the Chinese investments, had also made an important policy announcement — that these investments be beneficial to ordinary Malaysians.
He said that was the reason why Anwar mentioned to the Chinese companies that they should hire local workers as much as possible.
"I am glad that Chinese investors welcomed the idea of Anwar to incorporate more local workers in their enterprises and industrial investments amounting to billions.
"Anwar must be credited for bringing in so much Chinese foreign investments in the country after being in office for only four months. He has done better than former prime ministers.
"Given his egalitarian tendencies, he has made sure that the rank and file Malaysia would not be neglected in the fast moving trajectory of economic development. Anwar has made it clear in his investment drive, it is not about the quantitative nature of investments, but their qualitative impact.
"The move to ensure the employability of local workers in foreign industrial establishments, is a praiseworthy move by Anwar.
"I am sure that trade unions in the country might want to congratulate Anwar on this important decision," he said in his latest Facebook posting.
Elaborating, the DAP leader said the past practices of Chinese companies in Malaysia hiring and using their own workers must give way to a more progressive move.
He noted that if there were difficulties in getting local workers, then they could request the Malaysian government to use their own workers.
"In the past, there have been numerous complaints, not just from Chinese companies, but others in not utilising local workers.
"If this happens in the future, then local workers might not be the beneficiaries of billions of foreign investments.
"It is not just the employment of local workers, but also the question of technology and talent transfer.
"The lack of involvement of local workers, both skilled and unskilled, might lead to unbalanced development and growth," he added.
Malaysia, Ramasamy said, was rapidly moving towards a situation of a developed status with high income.
"The lack of technology transfer and growth of talents might stunt the growth of the country.
"Malaysia might be caught in the quagmire of a middle income country," he said.