KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains an open trading nation, accepting investments from various countries, including the United States which is the country's largest trading partner, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the 47th American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) annual general meeting luncheon here today, Anwar said that, therefore, the collaboration between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) was vital for the country.
"We made it very clear that Malaysia must remain a trading nation, open to investments, and therefore, the collaboration between MAHB and GIP, for us, is critical.
"So, we, as a government, support (the collaboration). I think that explains well our position vis-a-vis investments from overseas and, in particular, from the US.
"Most of you are not aware of how sensitive and difficult (the BlackRock issue) is, how the entire discourse (surrounding it is) so rancorous at the local level, particularly at the by-election (in Penang) with critics casting aspersions and allegations about our decision.
"So, I used the forum in Parliament to give the facts and to see that we, as a country, have benefitted immensely from investments from overseas."
Anwar said although investments from Europe and China had increased, the US remained the country's largest investor.
In Parliament earlier, Anwar had given his assurance that the management of US-based firm GIP would not be controlled by American asset management company BlackRock Inc, which is known to have pro-Israeli links.
He said that despite BlackRock acquiring GIP, the latter's management would retain full control and responsibility over the strategic direction of the company and the companies they have invested in.
Meanwhile, Anwar urged companies under AMCHAM to focus on technology transfer, building centres of excellence and help in conducting training within the country.
He emphasised that while investments were crucial, these three elements were equally important, adding that the cooperation between local and international companies must become more effective.
He said although investment was an important aspect, the three items were equally as important, adding that the cooperation between local and international companies needed to be more effective.
On a separate matter, Anwar said a digital policy encompassing Asean would be a main priority once Malaysia assumes the role of Asean chair next year.
He said the matter was still being reviewed and drafted by the Investment, Trade and IndustryMinistry, and said an initial discussion had already taken place in Jakarta earlier this year.
"We are drafting the policy, and I believe we have to do it fast," he said at a dialogue session during the same event.