AMN / WEB DESK / TOKYO

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said that companies based in China can relocate to other countries, including Malaysia, to avoid US trade sanctions.

Mahathir said, “We are hoping they will move to Malaysia, at the same time of course, we see this trade war as a very negative thing.”

In a speech in Tokyo on Tuesday he said that Southeast Asia needs new initiatives to help fulfil the region’s economic potential.

 

 Dr Mahathir delivered a keynote address and held a dialogue with over 500 participants at the 36th Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (Jameca)-Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (Majeca) Joint Conference and Malaysian Business Forum.

He said Malaysia is ready to help promote such policies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for the benefits of the 600-million people in the region.

Mahathir said he’s focused on rebuilding Malaysia’s economy and attracting investment. He added that many leaders in ASEAN are focused on retaining local power, rather than broader concerns in the region.

However, he said the success of ASEAN policies will help countries in the bloc overcome local difficulties. Mahathir said, “I do hope that ASEAN will soon stabilize itself and begin to work together again.”