Deputy premier Muhyiddin Yassin has admitted that Anwar Ibrahim's second sodomy trial is a blot on the foreign investment radar that should be wiped clean as soon as possible.

"If you ask me, of course, I wouldn't want the case to be in our courts. Without such a high-profile case, Malaysia would do better (with foreign investments). It is best that the case is over as soon as possible" he said.

Muhyiddin richard branson was commenting on remarks yesterday by British tycoon and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson (left) that the sodomy trial was one of the reasons investors shy away from Malaysia.

This has attracted a flurry of attacks by government loyalists. Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim and political analyst Zainal Kling have lambasted "foreign interference" and Branson’s ‘lack of understanding’ of the legal framework.

           

"I don't think that his remark was meant to interfere," Muhyiddin told a press conference at the ‘Dawn of the New Decade: Alternative Investments’ conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He believes that Branson, as an experienced business executive, knows that Malaysia has an independent judiciary and that the government is not involved in the case.

muhyiddin yasin muhyiddin yassin Muhyiddin expressed appreciation that Branson still sees Malaysia as a viable investment destination, hailing the latter’s comments as ‘advice’ on how Malaysia can progress further.

"That is my angle on this," said the deputy premier.

Branson had said that, while the sodomy trial will not impact investment "in a major way", it would be better if Malaysia "can be more liberal and open".

"This has gone on for a long, long time. It looks bad overseas. If you are a bold leader, you should get rid of things like that which damage your reputation," the flamboyant personality reportedly said.

‘50-50 chance in Galas’

Quizzed on the BN's chances in the upcoming by-election in Galas, Muhyiddin said it will fall upon the Gua Musang Umno division under Mustapa Mohamed, as well as MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, to win back the state seat in Kelantan.

"Umno historically held the seat, but we have have a 50-50 chance," said Muhyiddin.

"As soon as the EC announces (the by-election), we will prepare for it. We will put the best candidate."

kelantan adun galas che hashim sulaima The seat, which PAS wrested from Umno in March 2008, was vacated yesterday by the death of Che Hashim Sulaima (left) , 48, due to colon cancer.

Asked to respond to PKR's allegations that saboteurs had disrupted its election nomination proceedings, Muhyiddin challenged secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution to furnish proof.

"We want to know - who are they (the saboteurs), who are the persons, what are their names, from which party?

"We also want to know if the outside influence they are talking about is us (Umno), or is it someone from overseas."

Muhyiddin alleged that PKR was trying to cover up its weaknesses and internal problems by making the accusation.

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