‘Memory loss’? Guan Eng’s criticism of Perikatan courts brickbats online

When you were finance minister, you asked rakyat to ‘ikat perut’, says social media user

(The Vibes) – Lim Guan Eng was hit with a flood of criticism online after speaking in a webinar hosted by the National Council of Professors (MPN) today.

The webinar, titled “Malaysia’s Future: Where are we heading?”, also saw the former finance minister issuing criticism of the Perikatan Nasional government.

He said PN is not sensitive to the plight faced by the people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We need a radical economic policy, where we protect jobs and commerce.

“The government is not spending enough to help the rakyat. They can’t be too stingy, they must spend when necessary.”

He said Malaysia’s economic performance is deteriorating, pointing out that Vietnam and Indonesia have pulled in more foreign direct investment (FDI).

“These countries did not just receive FDI that is labour-focused, but FDI that comes with economic advancement. High-value FDI, in other words.”

Netizens, however, did not buy his rhetoric.

“Talking is easy, but when you were finance minister, you asked the people to ‘ikat perut’. Think RM30, think Lim Guan Eng,” said Mohd Razif Omar.

It is believed to be a reference to Lim’s initiative to give RM30 to citizens via e-wallets during his tenure.

“Don’t need to listen to him. He talked about how the country is bankrupt, like no one could think. Who will invest in the country if the finance minister keeps mentioning that it is bankrupt?” said Facebook user Mat Mat.

“If you are interested in fighting corruption, explain the Penang tunnel issue. Why was the prosecution suddenly dropped? You are always complaining about others, but you have memory loss when it comes to yourself,” said Zulfikaar Azizi.

The webinar was moderated by MPN fellow researcher Muhammad Asri Ali and secretary Prof Datuk Raduan Che Rose.