KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 ― The government must not dismiss criticisms made by leading anti-corruption experts at the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) as it will affect the country’s integrity and image, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has said .

The former federal minister said the last two days have been “days of national shame and embarrassment”, after Malaysia was chided by leading anti-corruption experts at the conference which is taking place here.

“The embarrassment of having foreigners point out the wrongs (which we ourselves are pointing out to the leaders!) certainly is very painful, like adding salt and vinegar to the wound!” Rafidah said in a public Facebook post.

“But we cannot dismiss those observations and comments. They are valid. Now we are the talk of the world community, for the very wrong and embarrassing reasons.”

Rafidah said the crisis is eroding the confidence of others in Malaysia, and blamed “money” for dictating action of the leaders and being the main feature of the country’s political culture.

“Please walk the talk. The world is now watching, and waiting to see how such big issues are being handled. They will laugh when they see two or three officers being transferred here and there, that’s not solving anything!” she warned.

“Get a grip on the issues. Nothing is too hot to handle if the objective is to get the answers, and to do what’s necessary. We must make every effort to redeem the good name of our country, Malaysia.”

Speaking at IACC on Wednesday, Transparency International chief José Ugaz said Malaysia will not progress in its fight against corruption if questions surrounding the RM2.6 billion that was deposited into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s accounts remain unresolved.

However, Anti-Corruption Advisory Board chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim later accused TI of being biased, arguing that an investigation on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal is still ongoing.

The former Kuala Kangsar MP also urged Putrajaya today to understand the reason behind the mammoth Bersih 4 rallies instead of probing those who joined them, after her former superior Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was summoned by the police.

“Please don’t waste time and effort questioning why so and so was at the demonstrations. If the authorities don’t know why, then there’s something wrong with them!” Rafidah said.

“Focus on understanding why the people demonstrated, i.e the reasons that moved them to go to the streets. Focus on getting to the root of each issue, and resolve them as provided for by the laws of the land.”

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar announced that the police are investigating former prime minister Dr Mahathir for allegedly defaming Umno during the Bersih 4 rally in the city last weekend.

The country’s top policeman said the investigation falls under section 500 of the Penal Code, after several Umno division leaders had filed police reports against Dr Mahathir over his bribery allegations in his speeches during the mammoth rally that saw tens of thousands descend on the national capital’s streets over 34 hours.