Azmin tells principled Johor Chinese businesspersons to reject kleptocrats

 

International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali appealed to Chinese business people who are principled to choose wisely and "reject kleptocrats" ahead of the Johor polls.

The senior minister, who is also a Bersatu supreme council member, made the call when attending a function hosted by the local chapter of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Batu Pahat, Johor.

Azmin noted that the local business organisations have asked his ministry to bring in more foreign investors.

However, he said the interest of foreign investors depends on the stability of the government and the integrity of their leaders.

"If (a leader) is found guilty, the court has made the judgment and even the judge said the leader is a national embarrassment to our country, why do we still support this kind of leader and party?

“You want us to bring more investment into Johor and Batu Pahat. I give my undertaking that the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) will work hard.

“But for this election, (you) have to choose wisely, don’t make mistakes,” Azmin told around 100 members of the Batu Pahat Chinese Chambers of Commerce last night.

Azmin did not mention names but appeared to be referring to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is also the BN advisory board chairperson.

Najib was in July 2020 sentenced by the Kuala Lumpur High Court to 12 years in prison and an RM210 million fine for money laundering, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power in relation to SRC International Sdn Bhd funds, a former 1MDB subsidiary.

The Court of Appeal upheld the decision on Dec 8 last year and described the case as a "national embarrassment".

Crushing debt

Azmin appealed to the Chinese business community to ensure a strong and credible government at both the state and federal levels.

“I want to make an appeal since the Chinese Chambers of Commerce has a strong network, you’re men of principle, you uphold the good values of idealism.

“We must save our country, we need a strong and credible government, at the federal level and also state level. I hope you can understand what I mean,” said Azmin.

Azmin said in 2022, the country will need to pay RM43 million in debt interest alone, a large portion of which was due to 1MDB.

“You work so hard, you’re taxpayers, you contributed a large amount of tax to the government, but we’re forced to (use the tax income to) pay the interest due to thieves and robbers, enough is enough! he said.

He pointed out the debt interest payment was close to the RM57 billion sum allocated by the PN government as aid and subsidies to the people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“But now the interest on the national debt alone is RM43 billion, it’s better if we can use the money to help the Batu Pahat Chinese Chamber of Commerce or throughout the country.

“You can decide the future of Johorean in this state election. The power is in our hands but not in the hands of kleptocrats," he said.

Johor state assembly was officially dissolved on Jan 23, the Election Commission will announce the date of the state election tomorrow.

PN, led by Bersatu, is expected to face off with BN led by Umno. This is on top of opposition parties contesting in the Johor polls.

Businesses seek help

Meanwhile, Batu Pahat Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Boo Chin Liong in his speech expressed hope that Azmin can assist the business community in several matters.

This includes deferring the implementation of the new minimum wages of RM1,500, a review of the electricity surcharge for commercial and industrial users, and resolving the issue of foreign labour shortage.

“While we acknowledge an increase (in basic wages) is inevitable, the increment should be gradual, especially under current circumstances.

“Any increment should not exceed RM100.00. We request that, if possible, please defer the implementation of the increased minimum wage for the moment.

“Steps must be taken to ensure that policy for employment of foreign migrant workers is always consistent and simplifies the application process as well as the cost to be incurred in the whole process,” said Boo.

Azmin promised to convey their views in the coming cabinet meeting tomorrow (Feb 9). - Mkini