Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Political turmoil in M'sia, Thailand 'severe problems': MM Lee
10 July, 2008

POLITICAL turmoil in Malaysia and Thailand are 'severe problems' which may hurt growth and investment in the markets, Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said on Wednesday.

Malaysia is 'trapped' in personal politics amid accusations and counter-accusations among politicians, Mr Lee told participants at the Nomura Asia Equity Forum, adding that the tension has hurt the country's stock market.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's ruling coalition is reeling from its worst showing in an election in five decades and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has said he would be able to put together enough lawmakers to topple the government by September.

Deputy Premier Najib Razak had to deny allegations last week that he had an affair with a woman before she was killed two years ago, calling them a 'desperate attempt' by Mr Anwar to divert attention from charges he faces amid new allegations of homosexual relations with a 23-year-old male aide. Mr Anwar said the allegations against him are a fabrication.

The two politicians are vying to become Malaysia's next leader after the opposition made record gains in the March elections.

Mr Abdullah, rejecting calls to resign, has said he'll hand power to Mr Najib sometime after the ruling party's annual meeting in December.

Malaysia's former premier Mahathir Mohamad this week said the political turmoil may damage the country's ability to attract investment.

The benchmark Kuala Lumpur Composite Index is near the lowest in more than a year as political tensions, slower economic growth and higher inflation worry investors.

In Thailand, the People's Alliance for Democracy has held daily anti-government protests since May 25, demanding Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's resignation.

The Supreme Court yesterday convicted Yongyuth Tiyapairath, a senior member of Samak's People Power Party of buying votes in the Dec. 23 election. - The Straits Times

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