Foreign investments are not likely to be affected from the latest series of arrests on dissidents that have besieged the nation for two days, said International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed.

However, he didn't provide more information or economic data to backup his claims. Instead, he immediately disengaged from reporters after the brief comment.

halal food convention woman buying inspecting food 121206 Earlier, he was speaking to the press after launching the 6th Malaysia International Halal Showcase in Jalan Duta today.

He said "authorities know best what is to be done" in keeping peace and stability in the country.

"The police and the authorities are in charge in keeping the peace in the country. We all believe this is important for all of us and foreign investors as well," he said.

Mustapa, which was flanked by his deputy Mukhriz Mahathir, was responding to Amnesty International report that claimed the wave of arrests is a "part of a crackdown on dissent by the new government of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak".

The prominent human rights group also alleged that the authorities appear to have arrested people merely for expressing their political views or gathering peacefully to protest government actions.

Two days ago, police had arrested a university lecturer and poll reform group (Bersih) activist Wong Chin Huat under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.

Police arrested him following his call on Malaysians to wear black on May 7 (today) as a mark of protest against the ruling party's political coup of the Perak state government.

Within 24 hours of Wong's arrest, police detained Pas vice-president Mohamad Sabu and his arrest was believed to be related to his plan to hold a mass prayer session today at a mosque two kilometres from the Perak state assembly.

Earlier yesterday, three people were also arrested this morning for attempting to deliver a cake commemorating the 31st birthday of murdered Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu to the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya.

Prime Minister Najib who officiated today's event however did not attend the press conference and left the event shortly after visiting the exhibition booths.

RM350 million in two days

On a related development, Mustapa said that Malaysia has seen tremendous interest from abroad after its establishment as the halal-hub of the world.

According to him, the 520 Malaysian companies have managed to register RM350 million from 400 foreign buyers through business meetings held on May 5-6.

"In addition to potential sales, (we expect) it to be RM3 billion in total. It is a huge success," Mustapa said.

In terms of participation in the five-day event which ends on May 10, the minister reckoned the number is likely to shoot up to 50,000 visitors this year compared to 42,000 last year.

"There has also been an increase of participating countries, up to 31 from 25 last year," he said.

The event is also expected to attract a higher turnout as this is the first time it promotes ‘halal beer' and ‘halal champagne', which were imported by Saudi Arabia and Syria respectively.