Mahathir said there were rumours that when investors had come wanting to invest in the country, certain individuals in the government had asked for favours including being given 30% shares in the company that wanted to invest.

“When that happens, investors are no longer interested in investing and when investors don’t invest in Malaysia, we lose job opportunities,” he said in an interview during his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. The interview was streamed live by Astro Awani on Facebook.

He said Malaysia was facing a huge problem with unemployment.

“Even Malaysians who graduate in foreign universities are unable to find work when they come back home.”

He said the country was also facing an issue where many had become dependent on bribes from the previous administration and because of that were unable to or refused to work.

“This becomes a problem for the government because we get our money from taxes. When they don’t work, we are unable to collect taxes.”

When asked on the education system in the country, Mahathir said the government was looking at how it could use technology to enable students to be taught by professionals in the field.

“Teachers will only play a facilitating role,” he said, adding that it was also looking at education systems in other countries, including Japan and Germany.

On allegations of corruption involving Sarawak governor Taib Mahmud, Mahathir said the government would take action if there were reports lodged.

“So far, there has been a lot of talk but no report. If Sarawakians want us to take action, they can complain and we will look at their complaints.”