PAS warns Malays not to accept handouts blindly, focus on weakening economy

Malaysians, especially Malays, should not use the government's "ability" to hand out cash, bonuses, BR1M and other sweet promises, as a yardstick on how the country's economy is faring, PAS said today.

Information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic) said Malays should realise that all the handouts required a source and called on them to be more aware of the country's economic situation.

"It is worrying as our country's debt has almost reached the ceiling of 55 percent, a budget deficit that is getting more serious and the steady decline of the value of the ringgit," he said in a statement today.

Earlier this week, global ratings agency Fitch Ratings revised Malaysia's sovereign credit rating outlook from stable to negative as federal government debt rose to 53.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) at end-2012.

Tuan Ibrahim called on Malays to be more "focused" on the country’s economic outlook.

"Malays have to be more aware of these economic issues as they are the ones who will be affected the most as the majority race, should there be an economic crisis.

"Don't be so quick to react to racial and religious issues when the more relevant issues regarding our economy are not dealt with," he emphasised.

He noted that there was a lack of reaction or sensitivity of Malays on issues regarding the country's economy and the nation's debts.

"This is very clear when we see most people not caring at all about the Fitch ratings."

He pointed out that the government will continue its lackadaisical attitude in dealing with the country's economy and finances if the majority race does not speak up.

Two days after the ratings were released, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in sharing the rating agency's concern, announced that the government will unveil policies in Budget 2014 to strengthen the country's fiscal and macro position.