Stop making allegations of economic sabotage, says Muhyiddin

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin wants Malaysians to stop making baseless remarks about the economy. ‘Don't get trapped in the false world because this is a big issue,’ he said today. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, February 6, 2015.

Malaysians should avoid making allegations about the economy until they are proven true as they involved national interests, says Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

National news agency Bernama reported Muhyiddin as saying today that the reason the public should avoid making such claims was that they were a big issue. He was responding to allegations of economic sabotage in the country.

"We cannot simply make spurious allegations or wild accusations.

"If necessary, the authorities can investigate, but it is best that we avoid making assumptions until proven true. Don't get trapped in the false world because this is a big issue. Who makes the allegation? What are the facts and motives?"

Bernama quoted Muhyiddin as saying that Putrajaya did not take the matter lightly.

He said the allegations be explained in detail by relevant authorities and economic experts.

He added that various uncontrollable factors should also be taken into account, such as the global economic issue which had affected the country's economy, as well the drop in oil price and national income.

"We recognised these uncontrollable factors, including what happened around the globe.

"So, we have to re-adjust our budget, but if certain foreigners tried to shake our economy, we have to find out who they are," he said.

Muhyiddin’s remarks comes after a string of inquiries made by top Umno figures.

Kepala Batas MP Reezal Merican Naina Merican urged Bank Negara Malaysia to probe into certain individuals who allegedly tried to turn a profit through trading the ringgit in order to fund media organisations, which he said were accusing Putrajaya.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak urged the relevant agencies to take appropriate action regarding the allegations of economic sabotage in the country.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad also called for investigations and in-depth study on the allegations.

- TMI