Ahmad Husni: We need to uphold integrity and good governance

FORMER Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah spoke on the need for the Government to uphold good governance and uphold integrity and dignity.

“Good governance should not only show in the fiscal element, it should cover the entire government machinery and government agencies,” he said when participating in the debate on Budget 2017.

Ahmad Husni, who quit as minister in June before the Cabinet reshuffle, urged the Government to look forward and drop what he termed its “tunnel vision”.

“We should focus on conducting studies on how to increase economic growth. In 1980, South Korea had a per capita income of US$1,717 compared to Malaysia’s US$1,770, but last year they had US$6,642 compared to our US$2,549.

“We know our GDP growth is 4%, but we need to have a qualitative study,” he said.

He said even if Barisan Nasional won the next general election, the country could still face economic repercussions if the 1MDB issue was not handled properly.

The Tambun MP said perception played a large part in the growth and stability of the national economy, adding that the way the 1MDB controversy was being addressed might not leave a good impact.

“Malaysia’s economic rating will drop, investors will start pulling out, job opportunities will be reduced, and the economy as a whole will slow down,” he said.