Malaysia`s foreign direct investments (FDI) increased to RM49 billion for the first nine months of this year due to among others renewed confidence by some of the countries towards Malaysia.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the almost four-fold increase compared to the same period last year, at RM14 billion, was encouraging.

"This is part of our efforts to ensure a good and clean Malaysia and a country the people can be proud of, not only in terms of physical, but also financial management.

"Although our economy is at a critical level now but I am confident (to improve the country`s finances) with several new projections.

"This (increase in FDI) is a good performance although we came into office just six months ago. This is only the beginning and we still have a long way to go. What is important is that we are on the right track," said Lim after officiating the `Smart Green Community` programme in Lebuh Padang Tembak here today.

Lim said the increase in FDI, among others, showed renewed confidence by some of the countries towards Malaysia, under Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"This does not mean that we can reduce our debt but at least the country is in a healthy condition. It takes time for us to restore the country.

"We will continue with our efforts to cleanse the country and return Malaysia to the right path. More importantly, we want the world to know that we are free from the crutches of kleptocracy.

"Malaysia is now a healthy and normal democratic country. This is part of our three-year plan to return to the right path," he added.

In a separate development, Lim said former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should stop blaming him for IHH Healthcare Bhd selling its 16 per cent stake sale owned by Khazanah Nasional Bhd to Mitsui & Co Ltd.

"It was Khazanah`s decision, under Dr Mahathir and I think he (Najib) has lost his target. So, I hope he won`t target me on everything at me.

It (the sales of IHH shares) is under Khazanah, which is under Dr Mahathir`s jurisdiction. Not mine. I am not involved," he added.

www.nst.com.my/business/2018/12/436327/malaysias-fdi-increased-almost-four-fold-first-nine-months-year

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