PM: Corruption, leakages affecting nation’s economic performance

(Bernama) – PEKAN: Corruption and leakages are not only affecting the government’s revenue but also the nation’s economic performance, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the government had to take drastic measures to curb these scourges to safeguard the nation’s economy and that the recent arrests of people suspected to be involved in corruption were examples of the action taken.

Najib said this when opening the annual general meeting of the Pahang Malay Contractors Association here on Saturday.

Also present were Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed.

Recently, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission arrested 60 Customs officers nationwide who were suspected to be involved in corruption and money laundering.

Najib also told the contractors present that the awarding of government contracts was based on needs and affordability.

“This is closely linked with economic growth and our ability to generate additional revenue. If there are leakages, obviously the government’s income will be affected.

“Examples are people avoiding paying income tax and under declaring when importing or exporting goods to pay less duties,” he said. – Bernama