Jet engines don't go missing in Zimbabwe,says Anwar....

Malaysia is lagging behind its neighbours economically due to rampant malpractices and mismanagement by the BN government, said Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim last night. He recalled that Malaysia once held pole position as an economic 'tiger' in the Asean region.

However, the country is now “behind Thailand, Indonesia and even Vietnam, let alone Singapore, in terms of economic growth and prosperity due extensive corruption”. Anwar cited the monopolisation of the country's wealth by a handful of politicians and their business cronies as the main cause of our economic downfall.

“Corruption is killing the country and the people. The only way to save the country is to boot out the Umno-BN government in the next general election, which I hope will be held soon,” he told at a PKR rally outside his home in Cerok Tokun, Bukit Mertajam.

Anwar said rule of law, transparency and accountability practiced by the '1Malaysia' government under premier Najib Abdul Razak was so low that the people have lost faith and respect for the Putrajaya administration.

According to Anwar, the reputation of the judiciary, integrity of politicians, efficiency of the public delivery system, professionalism of police and anti-corruption agency are all at their lowest ebb. He argued that there are two Malaysias – one for the elite and the rich, and the other for ordinary citizens and the poor.

“The elite can get away with murders and rapes, but ordinary citizens could end up dead in custody at the hands of law enforcement agencies,” said the Permatang Pauh parliamentarian.

Despite the severe crisis of confidence, Anwar slammed the Umno-dominated federal government for hoodwinking the people about the real situation confronting the country.

“The government creates stories and portrays a false image that Malaysia's economic growth is at a level to be proud of - that we are better than Zimbabwe and Bangladesh,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

“Even in Zimbabwe, jet engines don't go missing,” quipped the PKR supremo.

Anwar was referring to the recent disappearance of two F-5E jet engines from by the Royal Malaysia Air Force base in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur.


Touching on the arson attacks against three churches yesterday, Anwar lamented that Malaysia has now become a subject of international ridicule and condemnation. He is now embarrassed to attend international conferences in the wake of the attacks.

“The church pastors fear for their safety. How am I going to explain to the international community about the lack of security for minorities?

“How I could face them when temples are being demolished and churches torched in my country,” said Anwar.

The opposition leader said that a real Malay-Muslim leader was duty bound to protect Malaysia's ethnic minorities.

“Only then, one can proudly claim oneself as a true Malay-Muslim leader.”