IF EVERYTHING goes as planned, China's lovable panda will be making its way to Malaysian shores soon.

Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau yesterday quoted Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim as saying that Zoo Negara officials would go to China this October to discuss the possibility of bringing the mammal over.

Nanyang quoted Rais as saying that the panda would attract more visitors to Zoo Negara. However, the zoo would have to ensure that it created an environment suitable for the endangered animal.

"We do not want the animal to die after arriving at the zoo," he said.

He also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had, during his recent visit to China, expressed a wish for the panda to be exhibited in Malaysia to signify the close ties between two countries.

Sin Chew quoted Rais as saying that, in exchange, Malaysia would give an orang utan to China.

Sin Chew also quoted International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as saying investors were wary of investing in Malaysia due to claims by PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that he would form a new government on Sept 16.

Muhyiddin said investors placed high importance on government stability.

Following Anwar's claims, Muhyiddin said he had to do a lot of explaining to the investors so they would not pull out from investing in the country.