Tsu Koon to play mediator role

Tsu Koon to play mediator role

GEORGE TOWN: Small and medium industries (SMIs) in Penang that are facing problems can look up to former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

State Gerakan SMI bureau head Michael Heah said they could forward their grouses to the Federal Government through Dr Koh.

“Dr Koh will use his connections to channel their grievances to International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin,” he said at a press conference at the state Gerakan headquarters here yesterday.

Heah said the 3,000-odd SMIs in the state were in the dark over what was taking place in the state under the new state government.

He urged the state to work closely with the Federal Government to attract foreign investments and formulate strategies to collectively tackle difficulties and overcome challenges.

He said many foreign investors were adopting a “wait and see” attitude to ascertain whether the political scenario in the state was stable.

“We are facing intense competition from Asian countries. The increase in the price of raw materials and rising manpower costs has affected many SMIs in Penang.

“Some have closed down and relocated to other countries,” he said.

He said the Federal Government should continue assisting SMIs in Penang although the state was governed by Pakatan Rakyat.

The press conference was called to announce the CEO Tips Coffee Talk that will be held at Paradise Cafe near Queensbay Mall on June 5 at 7pm.

Dr Koh will be speaking at the talk themed “Challenges in the Time of Change”.

Entry to the talk sponsored by HSBC is free. Seats are limited to 100 participants. For registration, call Ng or Matthew at 046462020 before June 1.