China-US trade war yet to affect Malaysia – PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has not yet felt the significant impact of the “trade war” between China and the United States, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Prime Minister said the government is aware that the conflict might affect the country, but it is also being seen as something that can be favourable for Malaysia.

“If there is any impact, we hope it will be the transfer of US investments in China to Malaysia. So, it is possible that we will get some good out of the trade war between China and the United States,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.

Dr Mahathir was replying to a supplementary question from Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN-Ketereh) on whether Malaysia was bound by China or the United States or adopts a neutral policy with regard to the trade war.

He asserted that the Pakatan Harapan government had a policy of non-intervention in any kind of war at all. Answering the original question, from Fong Kui Lun (PHBukit Bintang), on the outcome of his visit to China from Aug 17 to 21, Dr Mahathir said five MoUs were signed between government agencies during the visit, which was at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

He said China stated its willingness to import 500,000 additional tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia provided competitive prices were offered.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia and China, which enjoyed strong bilateral relations over the last 40 years, agreed to create a more dynamic relationship and work together to explore new areas for mutual benefit, such as in technology, industry and innovation.

“We encourage investments from China but these investments must provide job opportunities to Malaysians, use local materials and bring about the transfer of technology to local industries. Investment does not include bringing foreigners to become residents in this country,” he said.

Replying to a supplementary question from Fong, on the reported decline in the arrival of Chinese tourists during the Chinese National Day holiday from Oct 1 to 7 apparently due to the Malaysian government reviewing the concession agreements made by the previous government, Dr Mahathir said the government is confident that the number of Chinese tourists to the country will rise again.

He also said that the government is studying the process of issuing visas faster to attract tourists from China.

“Of course, the tourists have to pay for the visa and so on. It is done in China itself and there are shortcomings that have to be rectified. We will ensure that the price is not too high. We will ensure that the visa is issued much faster,” he said. – Bernama