Najib: Ambiga is clueless about economics, polls boost growth
PUCHONG: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak poured scorn on human rights activist S Ambiga for saying that a fresh general election would be a bane to the nation’s finances.
In a Facebook post, Najib said that Ambiga does not understand economics, adding that domestic economy usually picks up during election season.
“Actually, our economy receives a boost during election period. This is because consumers will start spending more and additional funds will be injected into local economy.
“In a nutshell, the money spent during election is actually goes to the local economy,” he said.
Yesterday, in a Tweet, Ambiga said that she found out that snap polls could cost the nation between RM750 million to RM800 million.
“Checked with Elections Commission chairman. In 2018, the general election was worth half a billion. A snap election is about RM750 million to RM800 million.
“Please politicians get together and solve this. Don’t do this to the rakyat who are at the mercy of your politics!” said the former Bersih chairperson.
Citing a case study from Turkey, Najib said that the nation’s economy grew during its local council election time.
However, it was also noted that the economy grew due an economic stimulus package announced before the election and analysts have warned that the growth could be ‘temporary’.
Najib added that Ambiga herself would have noticed how local economy receives a boost, especially during by-election times.
“Besides, our government will be stabilised after a general election, given the fact that we are now running like headless chicken. Investors and people will also be more confident with a stable administration,” he said.
The Pekan MP added that Malaysia had lost about RM400 billion since Pakatan Harapan took over and spending RM 800 million to stabilise the nation would bring back stability to the nation.
“With a stable government, we could push back our focus to economic recovery. Therefore, Ambiga’s assessment to this situation does not make sense.
“By the way, how come a general election cost could rise by 60%, within two years, to RM800 million? In 2019, it was just RM500 million. Are you guys doing some offsets here and there?” he asked.
By G Vinod
