No politics please, says businessman Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR: Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who launched the fourth anniversary of a Japanese-style bakery and bistro partly owned by him, has refused to entertain questions on politics.

"No political questions this time, please... otherwise, the opposition will not come to my place. Now, I am a businessman... not a politician," he said in jest.

Mahathir was speaking to reporters at the bakery, The Loaf's, fourth outlet at the IOI Boulevard outlet in Puchong here today.

However, the businessman responded to a question on the economy, saying that unlike before, Malaysia cannot expect much foreign direct investment (FDI) as currently, many countries and foreign businessmen do not have the funds to invest in foreign countries.

He said, at the same time, they also wanted to invest in their own countries due to the high level of unemployment there.

"So, we cannot expect much foreign direct investment today," he added when asked to comment on the World Investment Report 2010 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

According to the report, the FDI inflow to Malaysia had dropped 81% from RM23.47 billion (US$7.381 billion) in 2008, to RM4.43 billion (US$1.381 billion) last year.

Fifth outlet in Bangsar

Earlier in his speech, Mahathir, who is also chairman of The Loaf, said the company intended to franchise the business at the right time.

He said the company had received many requests, including from overseas such as Indonesia and Singapore

However, those to be given the opportunity must have the work culture associated with The Loaf, he added.

The Loaf, which is based on a fusion of Japanese, Malaysian and European recipes with signature products, including freshly-baked pastries and savouries such as croissants, rustique, fig tarts, baguette Levain and mutton curry, was first opened in Langkawi in 2006.

"They must have the dedication (and) the passion to produce bread of high quality to keep up The Loaf's name," said Mahathir, according to Bernama.

The former premier also revealed that The Loaf planned to open its fifth outlet in Bangsar, by the end of the year.
Currently, its outlets are at the Telaga Habour Park, Langkawi, the Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, Empire Shopping Gallery Subang Jaya and IOI Boulevard Puchong.

At today's event, Mahathir, accompanied by his wife Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, also launched The Loaf's “Just For U” birthday cake series that would be available in the market from Sept 1, and also unveiled The Loaf's new logo which reflect its new direction and growth.