MALAYSIAN COMPANIES SHOULD CONSIDER ACQUISITIONS IN JAPAN

OSAKA, Dec 9 (Bernama) – Japan’s fragile economic condition has pushed a lot
of its valuable companies into bankruptcy, which Malaysian firms should consider
acquiring, said Deputy Prime Minister,Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.

"This is especially so with those that have good technology and potential.
They have a lot of advanced technology here," he added.

He said besides the lack of productive workers, high production costs, is
among the reasons these companies are in a difficult position.

Japan is planning a 7.2 trillion yen (US$ 82.2 billion) stimulus package to
revive its economy and prevent it from going into recession again.

"This is why we need to aggressively continue having links with industries
in Japan, as now is the most suitable time, with them facing the pressure of
rising costs in the country and the problems faced by the government itself," he
said at a news conference here Wednesday.

Muhyiddin is in Japan on a four-day trade and investment visit which ends
Thursday.

He said that the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) had taken
steps on follow-up links with organisations such as the Japan External Trade
Organisation (JETRO) and banking institutions, which have complete and detailed
information.

"If we came now and told what Malaysia had to offer, I believe more
investments from Japan can be secured for the country," Muhyiddin said.

Asked if Malaysia's investment arm such as Khazanah Nasional, should also be
encouraged to come to Japan, he said: "It depends. Maybe, we are more
conservative in nature. Furthermore, many do not know how to do business in
Japan.

"But the potential and opportunities are there."

He added that Malaysia may have to send a team to research the actual
condition.

-- BERNAMA