Gobind speaks of 'potential' AI investment, but netizens point to the other AI's speeches on Tesla

Social media users have poked fun at Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo's announcement of a multi-billion ringgit investment by an Indian company, with many reminding the DAP leader of similar announcements by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last year about US electric vehicle maker Tesla's plan to set up base in Malaysia and create tens of thousands of jobs for Malaysians.

Gobind, who accompanied Anwar's delegation to India last week, said India-based Eros Investments Ltd wants to build a US$1 billion (RM4.33 billion) artificial intelligence (AI) park that includes a film studio, an AI university and a data centre.

"It will drive global collaborations to support startups. The AI movie studio and film city hub will enhance talent skills in transmedia and digital productions in Malaysia," he was quoted as saying.

Internet users were not convinced by the announcement. 

Some urged Gobind to conduct due diligence before announcing new investments.

"No need to rush. Just remember about Tesla investment," wrote Idhaya Thirudhan on Facebook.

'Billiun-billiun again," said Ezze Ezekiel, mocking Anwar's speech last year when he claimed that investors were coming to the country in droves because of their confidence in his administration.

Facebook user Andrew Peh called Gobind's announcement premature, comparing it to several announcements Anwar made last year that Tesla was interested in building a factory in Malaysia, which turned out to be a showroom for selling its electric cars.

"End up like just gula-gula charging stations projects that can make us into 'green hub'," he said.

During Anwar's visit to India, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and India's premier technology association Nasscom to train Malaysians in AI, cyber security, software development and next-generation technologies.

Gobind said the investment would "potentially" bring 5,000 jobs, which only led to more sarcastic comments.

"Would be, could be, should be," wrote Jerome Sean D'cruz. "Bila dah jadi then only announce lah (Announce it when it's ready)."

One user commented that the deal made no sense as it was cheaper to hire Indians.

"These 5,000 jobs will then be filled by India expats as their labour cost is cheaper compared to local," said Ricky Loh.

"Tired of words 'will' and 'potential' these days," said Al Khalaj.

Alex Ong, meanwhile, reminded Gobind of failed parks in Malaysia.

"Numbers seem to be over achieving and exaggerated, anything to do with parks usually goes down the drain in Malaysia," he said.

But Fook Yau Heng disagreed, describing Cyberjaya, which was built in the 1990s by Dr Mahathir Mohamad's government to attract IT companies, as a success.

A few months after taking office, Anwar made Tesla chief Elon Musk and his business empire a central theme in his speeches to convince Malaysians that the government would attract quality investments.

Anwar was also seen building momentum for a "meeting" with Musk, saying that the billionaire entrepreneur had asked to speak to him.

The meeting turned out to be a video call, with Anwar himself leading the 25-minute "discussion" during which internet users scrutinising Musk's online activity said the tycoon showed little interest throughout the online meeting.

Earlier this month, Malaysians responded with comments and memes to a report by Thai daily The Nation that Tesla was abandoning Malaysia and other neighbouring countries.