KUALA LUMPUR: The country is facing extreme difficulties in attracting foreign investors due to the never-ending court cases involving politicians accused of corruption.
Political veteran Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said that no matter how efficient the civil service is, investors would "still look at these court cases."
She said these corruption cases have painted a negative picture of Malaysia, including among potential investors.
"But what to do? It's the perception," she said when discussing the challenges of the government in dealing with the issue of foreign direct investment in the latest episode of the 'Keluar Sekejap' podcast.
Several high-profile corruption cases have hogged the limelight in the country.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust (CBT) over SRC International funds amounting to RM42 million.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was the country's eighth prime minister, is facing money laundering charges involving about RM200 million in funds linked to the Jana Wibawa programme.
Meanwhile, Rafidah urged the government to start working on initiatives before announcing them.
"I am nauseated by the government's announcements. There is no need to announce, just take action. In the past, we used to say if someone talks a lot, are you Nato(No action, talk only)?"
Rafidah had been Malaysia's international trade and industry ministry from 1987 until 2008, spanning three prime ministers: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib.
She remains the longest-serving female member of parliament, serving in the two different constituencies of Selayang and Kuala Kangsar from 1978 until 2008.