In response to the letter to the editors in The Sun, “No short cut to promoting Malaysia”, dated 25 May 2010, we would like to thank the author for voicing a valid concern about the practice of pay for play country reports, which have been pitched to local companies in Malaysia and around the world with increasing frequency in recent years. However, we wish to state clearly that MITI and its affiliated agencies do not practise, support or encourage these types of paid advertorials.

Measures to raise awareness of our country’s attractiveness for investment are an integral part of MITI’s agenda. However, our efforts are always generated, implemented and promoted in line with the highest standards and international best practices. It is against our policy and interest to pressure local companies, or any company for that matter in our promotion initiatives.

As the world emerges from a global financial crisis, Malaysia has demonstrated the resilience of its economy and is increasingly seen as an attractive destination for business, investment and tourism. We achieved impressive GDP growth of 10.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, based on the hard work of the Malaysian people and broad government initiatives to drive development. And, just last week, the highly regarded IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2010 ranked Malaysia among the top 10 most competitive nations in the world for the first time.

It is this type of information that can influence a media savvy international business community, so it is what we focus on as we endeavour to increase investment in Malaysia. At MITI, we are proud to promote our country based on hard facts. We strongly refute claims of taking short cuts in any form.

Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
26 May 2010