MALAYSIA, once tipped to become an Asian Tiger because of its strong economic performance, is nothing but an Asian Rat now, Mohamad Sabu said.

The Amanah president blamed the country’s ailing economy on the wide-ranging corruption and poor financial management of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) governments.

“When I was growing up, Malaysia was called the Tiger of Asia. Now it is the ‘Tikus of Asia’ (Rat of Asia),” Mohamad, who known as Mat Sabu, said at the Ceramah Mega Muar in Johor last night.

Mohamad, who was the PH defence minister, said a depreciating currency meant haj pilgrimages and and travel abroad now cost more.

“The cost of the pilgrimage have not increased much but our currency has depreciated. Back then, RM2,500 could buy US$1,000 but now the rate is around RM4,600,” he said.

“When I changed RM100 to Saudi riyal back then, I would get about 145 riyal but now I get 80.

“This is almost 50% less than the amount I used to get.”

He blamed corrupt politicians for the situation, claiming they were “stealing” money for their own benefit.

“Why is our currency depreciating? Because our money in the reserves is becoming less.

“Why is it getting less? Because our nation’s debts are increasing.

“Why are our debts increasing? Because people are stealing money from our country,” he said.

Mohamad added that the high Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranking is one indicator showing graft is prevalent in the country.

He said PH had brought down the score when it was in Putrajaya.

“When PH was governing, the CPI score dropped to 51. That is a big achievement.

“When BN and PN took power, the ranking went up to 62. If the ranking goes up to 70 next, then we will be equal to the African nations,” he said.

Mohamad also alleged Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had dissolved parliament early to save his friends from indictment.

“I’ve been active in politics for almost four decades but never have I seen parliament dissolved to save thieves or corrupt individuals.

He said the country is in dire straits and urged the youth to do their part to vote and save the country.

“I could die anytime. But youngsters have a long way to go. It is up to them to stand up and save Malaysia.” – October 17, 2022.