Investment, tourism sectors will be badly affected if country in chaos - Mustapa

Illegal rally organised to the extent of jeopardising public order can badly affect the country's investment and tourism sector, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

He said the political stability was the main thrust to lure investors and tourists to Malaysia and the good image of the country in the eyes of the world would be tarnished if it was in chaos.

"Our (Malaysia) image in the eyes of the world has been good so far, but what happened over the past couple of days may tarnish that image.

"If they see Malaysia as an uninteresting country and the people as chaotic and disordered, then Malaysia will not be able to attract tourists, let alone investors," he said, referring to the illegal Bersih 4 rally in Kuala Lumpur.

Mustapa was met after witnessing the registration of 2,393 new Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) students today. Also present was UMK vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mortaza Mohamed.

Commenting further, Mustapa said domestic investors would also be wary in venturing into new sectors in the country if public order could not be maintained.

"Even Malaysians would not invest in Malaysia if they find better investment climate in other countries. That is why we have to maintain peace as the key foundations to prosperity are political stability, unity and peace," he said.

On the presence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed at the illegal Bersih 4 rally, Mustapa said it was indeed inappropriate as the former prime minister was once fought against street demonstrations.

Mustapa said each problem should be solved wisely through negotiations and not through street demonstrations.