Would the SEZ in Malaysia be scuttled by kampong politicians?

Johor-Singapore SEZ a ‘big plus’ for firms to tap both sides’ different strengths: PM Wong

Singapore-based businesses have shown “a lot of interest” in expanding to the upcoming special economic zone in Johor, says Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as he wraps up a two-day visit to Malaysia for a leaders’ retreat with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.  CNA

The success of SEZ needs no further elaboration. Singapore's SEZ was transplanted to Suzhou, China and this has been repeated all over China, creating new successful economic zones and vitality, providing jobs and revenues for China. Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley of China is by far the most successful SEZ in China. The same concept has been spread across the BRI countries, Vietnam, Indonesia, in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Latin America. 

With the economies of the world being integrated, with globalisation, sharing and transfer of technology, free trade, SEZ maximises the strength of a multiple of countries to turn them into economic miracles. The host countries provide the land, infrastructure and manpower, foreign investors provide the funds, technology, products and services to market and sell to the world. It is a win win formula for all parties. It is an international formula for cooperation to compete in the world market.

All countries, especially the smaller ones, cannot afford to stay isolated in their little kampongs while the whole world is racing ahead in science, technology and economic developments. Even China has to invite foreign investors to participate in their SEZs initially with many concessions. Countries must take advantage of the strength of other countries for their own economic development and prosperity. Closing the gate, hiding in the kampong would only see the world passes by and be left behind.

Indonesia and Thailand have done so. Vietnam has done so. Anwar is now pushing Malaysia into the race with this SEZ in Johore in collaboration with Singapore. If successful, Johore's SEZ would be like the Kowloon to Hong Kong, much bigger than Singapore. Both sides would benefit economically and financially when the two countries' economic development is integrated through this cooperation. The path to a new and brighter future is looking very exciting.

Let's hope that all is well and there would not be another Mahathir or kampong mindset politicians to derail this billion dollar project that could put Malaysia into the mainstream of international trade and finance, as an industrial and financial hub, providing better jobs and life for Malaysians and Singaporeans. Let's hope it would not be another Forest City in the making. Malaysia must plug into the international network of trade and economic activities.

Beware of the Bumiputra 30 per cent being thrown into the pot. Beware of foreign talents and citizens not allowed to work in the SEZ, and the clothings they can wear or cannot wear. Beware of the accusation that Singapore is benefitting more than Malaysia. Beware of the 10 per cent....