Chinese nationalistic tabloid hits out at Mahathir, warns of negative sentiments against M’sia

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia should not make statements that could anger or spook the Chinese people if it is serious about strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, said state-owned Global Times daily on Wednesday (Aug 29).

In an editorial, the tabloid owned by China’s biggest newspaper group said that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent statements on the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) were “piercing” to the Chinese public and had created negative sentiments toward Malaysia.

Dr Mahathir had claimed the industrial park, which was set up in 2012, was walled off from locals, and implied that the Chinese companies within it were not operating in compliance with local laws and regulations.

His remarks, which hinted that Chinese-backed projects challenged Malaysian sovereignty, were “erroneous” and contradicted his stance of welcoming Chinese investment to Malaysia, said the op-ed.

The Global Times stated that Chinese investors “have no intention of eroding Malaysian sovereignty”

“The MCKIP was established by joint promotion of the two governments. It is impossible for Chinese authorities to enforce any law there. The entire industrial park is protected by Malaysian law and is functioning under Malaysian law.”

It added that if the MCKIP was at odds with local residents’ interests, Putrajaya should resolve the problems through coordination, “instead of comparing them to sovereignty issues, which would probably only aggravate the disputes”.

“Malaysia should be reminded that many words of Kuala Lumpur can be spread to China via the internet, causing different reactions among the Chinese public,” it said.

It noted that public sentiments play an important role in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

“How the Chinese public sees China-Malaysia cooperation is by no means inconsequential to Malaysia’s interests.

“When such remarks are heard by Chinese people, the latter find it piercing.

“They will definitely make Chinese investors worry about Malaysian public opinion, and whether such an atmosphere will affect investment in the country.”

Former prime minister Najib Razak had made it a priority to foster ties with China, while Dr Mahathir is seen as less accommodating. The current premier has said that many of projects with China do not make financial sense for Malaysia.

Dr Mahathir has asked to cancel several Chinese-backed infrastructure and energy projects, including the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL).

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said on Monday that Malaysia would not allow foreigners to buy residential units in Forest City, a joint development by Chinese developer Country Garden Pacificview and the Johor state government.

Potential buyers, many of whom are Chinese, are now believed to be reconsidering their options.

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin on Tuesday insisted that Dr Mahathir's comments on banning foreigners from buying Forest City property have yet to be formalised.

She added that a committee would be formed to study and review "whatever terms that were agreed to previously" for the Forest City project.

The prime minister's office also issued a statement on the same day noting that Malaysia imposes certain conditions on foreigners purchasing property.

"Purchase of properties however, does not guarantee automatic residency in the country... In welcoming foreign investments to Malaysia, the government reiterates that it welcomes foreign direct investment that contributes to the transfer of technology, provides employment for locals and the setting up of industries," added the spokesperson. AGENCIES