M'SIA CANNOT EXPECT MUCH FDI AS MOST COUNTRIES LACK MONEY TO INVEST - DR M

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Unlike before, Malaysia cannot expect much
foreign direct investment (FDI) as currently, many countries and foreign
businessmen do not have the funds to invest in foreign countries, Dr
Mahathir Mohamad said Sunday.

The former prime minister said, at the same time, they also wanted to invest
in their own countries due to the high level of unemployment there.

"So, we cannot expect much foreign direct investment today," he told
reporters when asked to comment on the World Investment Report 2010 by the
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

According to the report, the FDI inflow to Malaysia had dropped 81 per cent
from RM23.47 billion (US$7.381 billion) in 2008, to RM4.43 billion (US$1.381
billion) last year.

Dr Mahathir was speaking to reporters after launching the fourth anniversary
of The Loaf, the Japanese-style bakery and bistro partly owned by him, at its
fourth outlet at the IOI Boulevard outlet in Puchong near here Sunday.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Mahathir, who is also chairman of The Loaf, said
the company intended to franchise the business at the right time.

Dr Mahathir said, the company had received many requests, including from
overseas such as Indonesia and Singapore

However, those to be given the opportunity must have the work culture
associated with The Loaf, he added.

The Loaf, which is based on a fusion of Japanese, Malaysian and European
recipes with signature products, including freshly-baked pastries and
savouries such as croissants, rustique, fig tarts, baguette Levain and
mutton curry, was first opened in Langkawi in 2006.

Dr Mahathir said: "They must have the dedication (and) the passion to
produce bread of high quality to keep up The Loaf's name."

He said The Loaf planned to open its fifth outlet in Bangsar, by the end of
the year.

Currently, its outlets are at the Telaga Habour Park, Langkawi, the
Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, Empire Shopping Gallery Subang Jaya and IOI Boulevard
Puchong.

At Sunday's event, Dr Mahathir, accompanied by wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd
Ali, also launched The Loaf's 'Just For U' birthday cake series that would
be available in the market from Sept 1, and also unveiled The Loaf's new
logo which reflect its new direction and growth.

Asked to comment on current politics, Dr Mahathir said in jest: "No
political questions this time, please...otherwise, the Opposition will not come
to my place.

"Now, I am a businessman...not a politician."

-- BERNAMA