AMIDST GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS, M`SIANS SHOULD FOCUS ON DEVELOPING ECONOMY

KULIM (Malaysia), Oct 8 (Bernama) -- While the United States and Europe are
facing a serious financial crisis, Malaysia and its people should focus on
overcoming the country's economic problems and increasing economic activities so
that the people will not be hit hard by the crisis.

"This is a 'bread and butter issue' that the government must seriously
address instead of paying so much attention to the Opposition's politics. It is
better that we reduce the current polemics," Umno vice-president Muhyiddin
Yassin said.

Speaking to reporters after an Aidilfitri function at the Kulim Golf Resort
here Tuesday, he added:
"There is no need for us to waste time listening to the lies of Opposition
leader Anwar Ibrahim, but to focus on developing the economy and
country as well as addressing the effects of the global financial
crisis."

Muhyiddin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, was asked
to comment on Anwar's statement that he would continue to pursue his plan of
forming a new government even if Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
decided to step down or transfer power to his deputy as planned.

Muhyiddin said people should not waste time on Anwar's baseless claim of
being able to form a new government as the planned Sept 16 takeover from the
National Front (Barisan Nasional) (BN) federal government had proven to be wrong
or just his dream.

He also advised Anwar to play his role as a responsible Opposition
leader
as what he had promised during the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election in
August.

"I feel that he is not focusing on his tasks as the Opposition leader but
still harping on his plan to form a new government in order to protect his
credibility.

"It appears that he is still lying to the people although all the BN
leaders have declared that their members of parliament would not join People's
Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat) and that their loyalty to their party was not like a
commodity that could be bought and sold.

"Obviously, Anwar's plan has failed. It is the proverbial 'angan-angan Mat
Jenin' but he is giving false hope to his supporters by lying," Muhyiddin said.