Political geostrategist Azmi Hassan said Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng might be seen as still operating like an opposition politician.
He was referring to Lim calling 1MDB president and chief executive Arul Kanda “utterly dishonest and untrustworthy” after a recent meeting to discuss the government-owned company’s financial affairs.
Arul had responded by saying he was seeking legal advice on Lim’s comments, which he called a potentially defamatory and personal attack against him.
He also pledged his full cooperation in any new or ongoing investigations into 1MDB.
Azmi told FMT that Lim must not forget he was a minister now.
“Especially after his encounter with Arul Kanda, it does not reflect as someone being tactful at the moment.
“My advice to Guan Eng is to keep away from personal attacks. It is important to separate his personal agenda and duty as a minister,” he said.
Independent economist Hoo Kee Ping meanwhile said it was crucial for Lim to raise present problems and look at ways to save the economy.
“The present government must also state how to rescue the economy to boost market confidence.”
In light of this, Hoo applauded Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s plan to visit Japan next month, saying the country was seen as a good business partner and was in a position to help Malaysia’s economy.
“Japan has money and they will be willing to help Mahathir,” he added.
In return, he predicts Mahathir may take up Japan’s bid to build the KL-Singapore high speed rail as Singapore is also keen on working with Japan.
Hoo had previously said Japan should be favoured over China for various reasons, including its interest rate offer which was much lower than that offered by China.
“We can see that Mahathir is finding a solution,” he said.