PRIME Minister Najib Razak said the government is cracking down on crony capitalism, and that many corners were cut during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership, which caused Malaysians to suffer.

“This is one of the reasons I’m not popular with a certain nonagenarian. Corners were cut and Malaysians had to pay a high price so that his friends benefited.

“We are cracking down on crony capitalism. No more sweetheart deals and no more national follies to stroke the ego of one man,” Najib said in a speech at the Invest Malaysia Conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said there would be no more treating national companies as though they were personal properties.

“It is the people who suffer, and we will not tolerate a few succeeding and not on their own merit.

“Many are denied opportunities, all for the interest of a selfish few.”

Najib said he would always be straight with the people and do right by them.

“We will always put their interests first, from economic and welfare to security. Even though it’s not the most popular thing to do, we will not hesitate because it is the responsible thing to do for the country.”

He took a swipe at the opposition, saying it took the easy way out when faced with tough decisions.

“The seek the populist way out, regardless if it makes sense or if it is even possible. They are not being straight with the Malaysian people.” – July 25, 2017.