2016 NOW PEOPLE STILL NO FAITH IN GOVERNMENT, SAYS FORMER MALAYSIAN TPM?

The last year was a bleak one in terms of government integrity and transparency, former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin(photo) wrote in the message posted on his Facebook account, with the nation wracked with scandals involving some RM2.6 billion and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

These have yet to be resolved, said the Muhyiddin, who was removed from government inJuly after he openly criticised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over his handling of the alleged scandals.

Muhyiddin also listed the dismissal of former attorney-general Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, elevation of former Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and several other PAC members into Cabinet, immediate transfer of senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers investigating 1MDB and the new AG's reluctance to prosecute based on Bank Negara findings, as actions that have raised questions and doubts towards 
the government.

• "To date, the government's explanation for 1MDB has failed to convince the people.
• "They want to see those responsible for losing large amounts of government funds brought to justice."
• Muhyiddin said the rising cost of living was another sore point people had with the government due to the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST).
• He said although giving cash handouts in the form of BR1M helped the low-income groups, toll and public transport fee hikes and the removal of certain government subsidies had resulted in a sharp increase in overall costs.
• "The year 2016 will be fraught with more challenging obstacles due to the uncertainty of world economics.
• "A further drop in global fuel prices is bound to affect Malaysia, which partly depends on oil revenue.
• "In facing hard times, the issue of government integrity and accountability becomes more important.
• "While the people are asked to work overtime to increase earnings, leaders should be responsible in preventing leakage, wastage and excessive government spending.

Muhyiddin added that it was important to strengthen unity this year and not allow irresponsible parties to stir racial sentiments as a distraction from governance issues.

"Maintaining unity among the races, religious harmony and peace in the country is a collective responsibility."

Source: The Malaysian Insider