IT IS not whether Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the wrong or right decision to engage electric vehicle (EV) behemoth Tesla or its tech mogul founder Elon Musk.

Any leader of a country would have jumped at the opportunity to invite Tesla to invest in the country. Who wouldn’t if the investments run into billions, especially in the manufacturing of EV.

Such a move would have allowed countries like Malaysia to reduce their dependence on petroleum gas. The fact that the Malaysian government was generous in waving import regulations for Tesla’s EV is not the same thing as setting up factories in the country.

Essentially, it is not about Anwar wanting to attract Tesla but the promises made that could not be delivered. There was no reason for Anwar to go to town about the news of Tesla investing in the country. It was just a prospect.

However, the apologists for the Anwar regime don’t want to see this particular point. They are saying that Anwar made the right decision in engaging Tesla to bring in investments. It was not only the right but great decision but why count the chickens before they are hatched.

However, when it was apparent that Tesla was not coming with investments to the region, Anwar was the first person to jump to the conclusion that its financial losses in China was the reason.

The information apparently came from secondary sources via the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry (MITI). It was not that Musk called Anwar to inform him but the message conveyed by minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Earlier when the media approached Tengku Zafrul he asked them to approach Tesla. I don’t see the need for apologists coming to rescue Anwar with regards to Tesla investments in Malaysia.

All that was necessary is for Anwar to admit his premature announcement of Tesla investments.

A simple apology would have gone a long way in enhancing the image of Anwar. However, like a typical sour grape he shifted the blame on Tesla’s financial woes in China as conveyed by Tengku Zafrul based on information obtained from the company.

Nobody is against the creation of an ecosystem to enable the establishment manufacturing factories for Tesla’s EV.

However, just as the appearance of a swallow doesn’t make summer, the importation of few Tesla’s EV models into the country is hardly constitutes laying the foundation for EV in the country.

It is not just about Anwar blowing his trumpet about Tesla’s investments but major investments from other multinational companies.

To date, has Anwar or the government given a list of promised investments that have materialised in the country? Have the promises made by Anwar on foreign investments actualised in the country? - Aug 13, 2024

Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. 

https://focusmalaysia.my/tesla-lesson-for-pmx-dont-be-embarrassed-to-own-up-to-mistakes-avoid-jumping-the-gun/