ALOR STAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's backing of Hyundai Motor's RM2.14 billion investment in Kulim has proved that allegations of a plot to sabotage investments in Kedah were baseless.
State assembly opposition leader Bau Wong Bau Ek said the South Korean giant's investment demonstrated the Madani government's commitment to facilitating foreign investment in the country, including opposition-led states.
"If the allegations are accurate, then he (Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor) should provide the evidence," he told reporters at the sidelines of the Kedah legislative assembly at Wisma Darul Aman today.
Pakatan Harapan Kota Darul Aman assemblyman Teh Swee Leong also joined the chorus in calling for Sanusi to prove his claims.
"Hyundai Motor's investment in Kedah proves that there is no such (a plot) as alleged.
"If there is (an attempt at sabotage), then the menteri besar should disclose the proof to the public," he said.
Meanwhile, Adam Loh Wei Chai (PH-Bakar Arang) pointed out that Kedah has attracted significant investments, with Kulim Hi-Tech Park being designated as an industrial investment hub under the 2024 Budget.
He said Hyundai Motor's investment further bolstered foreign investors' confidence in Malaysia.
Yesterday, in response to Sanusi's claim, Anwar quipped that he is Kedah's agent for bringing foreign investment to the state.
He was reported as saying: "I (Anwar) am also Kedah's agent for bringing in foreign investments.
"Even though he (Sanusi) says so, I still support Hyundai's investment (in Kulim).
"Although there were other potential locations, due to the infrastructure provided and export channels via Penang Port and Penang Airport, we suggested Kulim."
On Sunday, Sanusi claimed that there is a 'grand design' to foil private investment in the state.
The Perikatan Nasional Jeneri assemblyman alleged that companies investing in Kedah were being pressured to pull out from the announced projects.
Following the claims, Kedah Umno has urged Sanusi to name the alleged mastermind while criticising the claim as an attempt to create false perceptions to cover the Kedah government's failure to realize previously announced investments.
However, Sanusi has refused to disclose details of his allegations, noting that now is not the right time to reveal the specifics.