PM: British businessmen have confidence in Malaysia

By Choi Tuck Wo

LONDON: British corporate leaders have expressed confidence in Malaysia's business climate despite the military coup in Thailand, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

The Prime Minister said they were keen to expand their investments in new sectors such as nutriceutical, pharmaceutical, aquaculture and bio-technological industries.

He said the British investors were fully aware of Malaysia's political stability in view of their strong economic ties with the country over the years.

Its just that they want to hear my views as leader of a neighbouring country (to Thailand), he told Malaysian journalists after having a working lunch with British captains of industries here on Thursday.

Among those present were HSBC CEO Michael Geoghehan, Standard Chartered plc chairman Bryan Sanderson, Matheson & Co Ltd chairman Henry Keswick, BAE Systems plc vice-chairman Sir Charles Masefield, Metdist Ltd chairman Lord Bagri, Merrill Lynch vice-president Imran Khan and Dresdner Kleinwort vice-chairman Simon Parker.

Prime Minister (left) having discussions with British corporate leaders. - Starpic by By Choi Tuck Wo

Abdullah, who was on a two-day working visit to Britain after attending the 61st UN general assembly in New York, met Malaysian students at the Malaysian High Commission.

On whether the appointment of a Muslim Thai general would help to stabilise the southern provinces, Abdullah said Malaysia was still studying the latest developments.

The Prime Minister said he also briefed them on the Ninth Malaysian Plan and the country's aspirations towards achieving greater economic development.

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