The “suffocating” political situation resulting from among others, corruption, had also contributed greatly to the national economic crisis whose victims were mainly those from the middle and lower income group, he added.

The situation had not escaped the attention of the international community either, said Muhyiddin, who is Umno deputy president, warning of threats to the country’s reputation following allegations of wrongdoing involving its leaders.

“Malaysia is no longer viewed as a stable country in the eyes of the world.

This has affected the people,” Sinar Harian quoted Muhyiddin as saying.

“With the country becoming known for these issues, the people end up facing hardship, especially when the issues involve business and investments.”

Muhyiddin attributed this situation to the many allegations of corruption implicating Prime Minister Najib Razak in the administration of state-owned investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Although merely allegations at this stage, the scandals had affected investors’ confidence in the country, said Muhyiddin, who added, “With the prevalence of corruption in the country, how can foreign investors trust us? Without investors, the economy will suffer.”