Deputy Premier Najib Abdul Razak today expressed regret over Ambassador and Head of European Commission Delegation to Malaysia Theirry Rommel's comments on the New Economic Policy (NEP).

"Normally, an ambassador or envoy does not comment on the affairs of the country to which they are accredited.

"This has been the practice because when we comment on the policies adopted by the country concerned, it means we are interfering in the affairs of the host country," said Najib according to Bernama today.

He said Rommel had contradicted the diplomatic practice and principles adopted by Malaysia.

Najib did not rule out the possibility of lodging an official protest against Rommel's comments.

"Wait first, I will seek the opinion of Wisma Putra (Foreign Ministry)," he added.

However, Najib believed that what Rommel raised yesterday was refutable.

"What was raised can certainly be disputed in terms of the facts," he said.

Disputable with facts?

At a luncheon talk in Kuala Lumpur organised by the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday, Rommel reasoned why Malaysia has been overlooked by foreign investors.

He attributed Malaysia's slowdown in drawing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to a lack of a level playing field for foreign companies "even when they are in a partnership with bumis".

Together with an inefficient public service, corruption and the questionable and unchecked practices of Malay preferential treatment, it had also dampened the business environment and economy of the country, he added.

While the public service delivery system lacks efficiency, responsiveness, transparency and accountability, corruption as well as the questionable and unchecked practices of Malay preferential treatment also plague the business environment and economy of the country, he added.

In urging Malaysia to re-look its pro-Bumiputera policies to attract European investors, Rommel warned that opening up a public debate on the NEP would incur short-term political risks.

However, Rommel said such risks can be managed through transparency, dialogue and education.