PAS vice president Mahfuz Omar has censured Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed for failing to accept blame for the 81 percent drop in foreign direct investments (FDIs) in 2009.

According to the Pokok Sena MP, the minister's justification for Malaysia's poor performance in contrast to that of regional players smacks of "irresponsibility" and "is offensive to the rakyat".

Mustapa had said  on Tuesday that Malaysia performed so badly because it is on a different development scale, and cannot attract infrastructure investments like Indonesia and Vietnam.

NONE "If Malaysia has such great infrastructure, then why is the construction of basic amenities like roads, electricity, water and a rural telecommunications network the focus of the 10th Malaysia Plan?" Mahfuz (l eft ) asked in his blog today.

He also rejected the minister's reasoning that Malaysia is attracting better quality investments and is not interested in low-end manufacturing.

"Is it the government or investors who are really uninterested in investing in this country, which is infamous for a culture of corruption among its ruling parties?

"As if failure and incompetence are not enough, he is now justifying the failure. This is a case of Umno's dah bodoh, sombong (foolish pride) syndrome," he said.

He added that Mustapa and his deputy Mukhriz Mahathir should apologise to the rakyat, instead of blaming other factors.

Mahfuz also took a swipe at the premier, Najib Razak, for his habit of "favouring brown-nosers to competent people".

"It's no surprise that the minister and his deputy are showing no accountability and responsibility, as they are confident of not losing their jobs.

"He is said to make appointments simply to win the hearts of some or to shut the mouths of his fearsome critics.

"In any case, the minister's failure is Najib's failure and surely he would not dismiss himself," he said cynically.