In a blogpost, Mahathir said the tourism sector was not doing well because of Covid-19.

“I am glad that Malaysia has found a solution that will bring torrents of tourists to the country. It is, I am told, by appointing a candidate who had lost in several elections and his deposits as well to be a senator, and making him a deputy tourism minister.

“We have no money. We have spent RM600 billion. Congratulations,” he said in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s reported remarks that the government is running out of money after spending RM340 billion on economic stimulus measures and RM322 billion on the 2021 budget.

Guan Dee has defended his lack of popularity among voters, following the controversy over his appointment on April 16.

At a recent event, the 68-year-old said he lost in three general elections because Sabah voters rejected the opposition.

He said he was not concerned by the personal views of his critics, and was more focused on doing his job.