CORRUPTION, LEAKAGES AFFECTING NATION'S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE - PM

PEKAN (Pahang, Malaysia), April 23 (Bernama) -- Corruption and leakages are not only affecting the government's revenue but also the nation's economic performance, said Prime Minister Najib 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 east coast state of Pahang Malay Contractors Association here Saturday.

Also present were Pahang Chief Minister Adnan Yaakob and International Trade and Industry Minister 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. These affect the government's income," he said, adding that ctizens should also play their role towards ensuring economic growth so that the economic pie could be enjoyed by all.

Najib added that he would be the happiest man if national revenue could be increased by RM50 billion, RM60 billion or even RM70 billion as this would mean more development projects for the people and thus good news for contractors. (US$1=RM3.01)