PUTRAJAYA, 17 Sept 2008: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today that Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has now become a threat to the economy and national security.
The Prime Minister said Anwar’s actions had not only affected political stability but also economic stability.
"As a result of his actions, certain fund managers had made reports that Malaysia was not a good investment destination because of political uncertainties," he told a press conference at his office here.
Asked on what action would be taken against him, Abdullah said the government would do what was needed.
Abdullah said Anwar had spread lies about the economic situation in the country including that no foreign direct investment was coming in and that the nation was no longer competitive.
The truth, Abdullah said, was that FDI was still flowing into the country and not only that, Malaysia was a preferred investment destination.
Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, who is also the chairman on the Cabinet Committee on Investment and present at the press conference, interjected and said the rate of investment this year might even be higher than last year.
On the nation’s competitiveness, Abdullah said Malaysia’s ranking had improved from 23rd place to 19th place now.
Abdullah said Anwar wanted to bankrupt the nation by exploiting the fears of the people and belittling the country abroad.
Najib also said Anwar’s political games had adversely affected the nation’s economy and reminded the people not to become victims of Anwar’s political games.
He also said these political games must be stopped quickly.
"Media coverage should also not fall in the trap of these political games because it can cause psychological effects," he said.
Abdullah also reiterated his stand that he would not meet Anwar although the latter had requested a meeting with him, as anything he (Abdullah) said might be twisted by Anwar.
He also denied receiving a letter from Anwar seeking a power transfer to the opposition, saying that the letter he received from the opposition leader touched only on national security, morality problems and the political scene.
"[There was] Nothing about a power transfer. As such, he has lied to the people with the aim of confusing them," he said. – Bernama
