KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 ― Many of Malaysia’s problems are caused by untrustworthy leaders, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said, adding that these leaders harm the nation more than crimes and social ills.

The PAS president also said that sacking these leaders would not solve the problem as long as the same attitude persists among other politicians.

“Problems are still not solved even after axing the deputy prime minister. Where was the mistake? Leaders have not exercised their trust properly, so understand this trust,” Abdul Hadi told Malay daily Sinar Harian at a PAS event in Ipoh yesterday.

“There are so many scandals that we have forgotten. Now we have 1MDB, before this it was the KWSP scandal, Tabung Haji, Perwaja and many more we have forgotten. All reached billions.”

Hadi was referring to 1Malaysia Development Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund by their initials.

“We want a change for a government that is trustworthy and good… that is the change with Islam,” said the Marang MP.

“Unfortunately for Malays, they only look at trust only involving keeping and delivering things.”

At a press conference in Putrajaya last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak confirmed rumours that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would be replaced by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as deputy prime minister.

Another of the party’s three vice-presidents, Sabah Umno stalwart Datuk Shafie Apdal was also dropped from the Cabinet.

Their removal was ostensibly due to open dissent over Putrajaya’s handling of current issues.