Accusations in foreign media won't impact investments - Najib

The accusations being hurled in the foreign media will not impact the sentiment of foreign investors or the

inflow of investments into the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"In reality, what is important are the facts surrounding the country's achievements, which shows a continuous inflow of foreign investments, with the Malaysian economy being among the high achievers globally.

"The issues being highlighted by the foreign media are orchestrated," he told the Dewan Rakyat here today.

He was answering a supplementary question from Tony Pua (DAP-Petaling Jaya Utara) on the measures being taken to overcome the negative coverage by the global media, who have been highlighting domestic issues, including those surrounding 1Malaysia Development Bhd and the RM2.6 billion donation to the Prime Minister.

The DAP lawmaker alleged that the issues had brought about a negative impact on foreign investors.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the issues raised would be clarified, and the process has been handed to the Public Accounts Committee and other related parties.

"So, there is nothing to be concerned about as the accountability process will definitely be implemented for the country," he added.

Meanwhile, Najib said Malaysia, which is among the foremost trading nations in the world, had a strategic position in the "global and regional trade architecture".

Malaysia's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and other Free Trade Agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will benefit the country, particularly from the aspect of enhancing foreign trade.

The RCEP is a key FTA being negotiated by 10 ASEAN member countries with six other countries with which the regional grouping has FTAs, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

Najib said Malaysia is among the key investors in ASEAN with local companies having invested widely in sectors as banking, plantations, hotels and tourism, the aviation industry, manufacturing, utilities and infrastructure.

He said the ASEAN economic integration will not just benefit Malaysia but also the other member countries.

"Malaysia hopes to see ASEAN becoming a progressive and high income region, with a good quality of life, while enjoying sustained peace and prosperity."