Motorola 'bribed' to stay on

As a Penangite, I have been disappointed with its development for the past decade. Without sufficient effort in restoration and maintenance, George Town is living only in its past glory.

Quite a number of international companies which have operations in the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone have pulled out of Penang for cheaper options in China. As the whole country is struggling to move up the value-chain, this is not surprising.

But I would never imagine the state government and federal government will stoop so low to offer 'bribes' to Motorola to stay on. The RM1 billion comes from the federal government coffers, meaning taxpayers' money. A highly confidential, 3-page letter dated 3 December last year, signed by CM Dr Koh Tsu Koon was sent to the PM seeking for 'help'.

In return of RM1 billion, Motorola agreed to invest RM350 million in the state last Tuesday. You do the maths.

A panic RM1 billion gamble to avoid bad press in the running up to general election? Do you think Motorola is the only company?

Even if it's done in the excuse of protecting jobs, how can this sort of arrangement be sustainable in the long run. Multinationals will probably come to Malaysia for free money.