BANGKOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia already has the characteristics and opportunity to develop as an important democratic country, in addition to being a successful economic power, but failed to do so due to poor governance, corruption and abuse of power.
However, the Prime Minister assured that the country was now well-governed and responsible in accordance with the Madani concept that was created for all Malaysians.
He also stressed that efforts to ensure good governance and eliminate corruption will never be compromised by the government, and that every project approved in the past needed to be vetted.
"Malaysia is a great country and does not deserve this (regressing due to corruption and poor governance). We have capable Malays, Chinese and Indians who can all work together, as well as those in Sabah and Sarawak.
"Choose the best (contractors) and reject those who are corrupt.
"A mediocre leader cannot survive in this competitive world, unless they orchestrate, manipulate and practice Machiavellian tactics using race or religion," he said during an afternoon tea ceremony with the Malaysian diaspora in Bangkok today.