POLITICAL STABILITY ATTRACTS FOREIGN INVESTORS TO MALAYSIA, SAYS DPM

SURABAYA, July 16 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin
Yassin said Malaysia's political stability has been the main attraction for
foreigners to invest in the country since independence.

"Although Malaysia has been independent for 54 years, we continue to ensure
that political stability remains the main draw for foreign investors to come to
our shores.

"At the same time, race relations and mutual respect, based on what have
been outlined in the Rukun Negara (the national principles) should also be
managed well to avoid any racial riot like what happened on May 13, 1969," he
said at a meeting with more than 20 senior editors of the Indonesian media
giant, Kumpulan Jawa Pos, here Friday.

Clarifying on last Saturday's illegal rally in Kuala Lumpur, Muhyiddin said
the police did not act brutally as alleged by certain quarters when ordering the
demonstrators to disperse.

He said the action of holding the street demonstration gave a picture that
there was no democracy in Malaysia, despite it been practised in the country
since more than half a century ago through parliamentary democracy and the
constitutional monarchy system.

"Umno and Barisan Nasional also want an election that is clean and fair.
That is why anybody can be a candidate, whether the person is a fishmonger,
trader, or even an individual who does not belong to any party," he added.

The Malaysian government, he said, had never prevented its people from
gathering to voice their demands.

"We realise that for Malaysia to progress, there is a need for universal
values and human rights. However, if in a gathering there is political influence
which can create an unsafe situation, the authorities should take the
necessary action," he added.

He said the best way for the group concerned to resolve issues was through
negotiations with the Election Commission.