Musa Hitam tells Umno candidates to focus on the economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 - Former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam urged Umno leaders vying for top posts in the upcoming party polls to debate on economic issues.

"It would be ideal for vice presidential and deputy presidential candidates to debate on the current scenario and what steps should be taken," said Musa.

He added that too much emphasis is being given to party politics, resulting in the people not realizing that the nation is facing a real economic crisis.

"What needs to be done now is the political issues that are too dominating must be reduced, I hope the politicians take this seriously and draft a pre-emptive contingency plan," he told reporters.

When asked what measures should be taken, Musa said: "Luckily and happily I am not in the position to be responsible for that, but I am just urging the government, come on, let put aside your politics, people are excited but they are tired, they don't know it but they are going to feel it."

"There needs to be a demonstration of seriousness and leadership on issues related to the economy. The sooner politicians pay attention to this issue the better," said Musa.

He said that the media has given too much attention to the Umno election.

"We need to focus on bigger problems related to the economic issues," he added.

-TMI