'Catch the impostor,' PAS leader jests over PM's Tesla factory announcement

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari sarcastically urged the government to catch an “impostor” who “disguised” as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to announce that Tesla would be opening a factory in Malaysia.

This is after Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz recently said Tesla had never committed to manufacturing in Malaysia.

On Sunday, Fadhli (above) shared a video on Facebook in which Anwar remarked: “When they (Tesla) come, they will open an office, (establish their) company, and factory for new electric vehicles (EVs), we can give jobs to thousands of youths.”

Fadhli then joked that Anwar had never said such a thing and that such claims were mere slander by “walaun” - a slur referring to Perikatan Nasional supporters.

“The individual in this video was brave enough to pretend to be the prime minister and mention that (Elon) Musk is coming to open factories.

“Quick, find and charge him!” Fadhli joked.

The WadahDaily video that Fadhli shared was from a Felda event on July 28 last year, in which Anwar spoke about how Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had admired Malaysia for attracting Tesla’s interest.

During the same speech, Anwar boasted about how Tesla boss Musk - the richest man in the world - had sought him out instead of the other way around.

He said this was a sign of confidence in Malaysia’s political stability and economic direction under his coalition government.

Tesla has since set up a headquarters in Cyberjaya and sells its EV cars in the country.

Cancelled plans

In August last year, a CNBC report said there are plans for Tesla to manufacture EV batteries in Malaysia.

As part of efforts to draw investment from Tesla, the company was granted an exemption to allow its Malaysian operations to be 100 percent foreign-owned.

Foreign entities operating in Malaysia are usually required to have 30 percent bumiputera equity.

However, last week, Thai news portal The Nation reported that Tesla has cancelled plans to build EV manufacturing plants in Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia.

Quoting a Thai government source, The Nation reported that the United States EV manufacturer will focus solely on charging stations.

In response, Zafrul explained that his ministry had engaged in discussions with Musk in efforts to attract investment, but these discussions did not involve setting up a factory.

Similarly, Anwar claimed that Tesla suffered losses and struggled to keep up with the intense competition from Chinese EV manufacturers.

A representative from Tesla’s headquarters will meet with the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry on Aug 22 to discuss the corporation’s investment plans in Malaysia.

COMMENT | Much ado about Tesla

Tesla rep to meet ministry on Aug 22, discuss investment plans

PM: Tesla suffers losses, can't compete with EV from China

Tesla never committed to opening factory in Malaysia - Zafrul

'Tesla's reported plans to scrap production in region may be commercial decision'

Annuar seeks answers after claims Tesla not opening plant in M'sia