Former politician, Tun Musa Hitam refused to comment on explosive claims by Tun Daim Zainuddin that the nation is facing chronic trust deficit.

Musa, a veteran politician who was Daim's political comrade, when met by Astro AWANI today, said those were opinions formed by the former Finance Minister and he refused to be seen as taking sides as it would only worsen the situation.

He explained that the government must take Daim's views to ensure checks and balances in a democratic country.

“I don’t want to comment because we (Tun Daim and Musa) were once politicians. That is his views and it is up to the leadership to take heed of the critics, don’t just be in denial, see if such as thing as the trust deficit does occur like most people say,” said Musa.

“They need to be alert and take action in ensuring that trust can be regained,” said Musa after he attended ‘Frankly Speaking: A Recension’ forum at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) here today.

Trust is important as Malaysia has a long-standing history in attracting foreign investors for many years.

“I started it since the 1970s when I was Deputy Minister,” said Musa, adding that his Ministerial post had entailed him to travel to Japan, Scandinavia, Europe and the United States of America to lure foreign investors to Malaysia.

“Our name was on top. Now I’ve been told that there many doubts, (among others), and I’m not shocked that this issue had surfaced considering the high cost of living we are facing and the depreciation of Ringgit,” he added.

“Whatever the reason, the government must have their own explanation,” he said.

He added that the trust deficit issue had been politicised by several irresponsible politicians who are attempting to stay relevant for the upcoming 14th General Election.

He also admitted that just as other individuals in voicing their concerns towards the issue. But, Musa said, he doesn’t want to be part of any groups in the shift of polemic on the real scenario happening in the country.

In an article dated Dec 17 published by news portal, The Edge, Daim was critical in his views concerning the present scenario in the country.

He believed that the country is facing trust deficit following abuse of power cases involving several individuals in power.

In ensuring the nation’s survival and success, Daim said leaders must always uphold the highest level of integrity and not betray the trust assigned to them.

He also stressed that feudal mentality especially among those in power must be ditched and most crucially, the integrity of everyone and the leaders must be restored in ensuring the success of the nation.

He also said that the government must also form a new economic team to address and fix the nation's economy.