Malaysia is going downhill and may end up like how the Philippines was once before, former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam warned.

Musa noted that since the government is faced with mega scandals, other matters, such as shootings in broad daylight, are not dealt with.

The people, he added, are getting used to the situation, and like in the Philippines of the past, are carrying weapons for self-defence.

Dubbing this as the “new normal”, Musa said: "I think the country is moving downhill. The speed is slow, but it could develop into a fast slide.

"I was witnessing the Philippines in the past. It was going towards a failed state... I used to say, ‘My God, security, arms, in any settlement of grouses...this did not happen in our country."

Speaking to reporters after the launch of his new book “Frankly Speaking” in Kuala Lumpur today, Musa added: "That is what is occurring in our country.”

However the chaos in Philippines took a turn for the better after Benigno Aquino III assumed the presidency in 2010, he continued.

Aquino is the son of former opposition leader Benigno Aquino, Jr and former Philippines president Corazon Aquino. His term as president ended this year.

"Three to four years after Aquino took place, you could see changes. Their growth rate was something Southeast Asia is proud of, said Musa, adding that it was due to good leadership which identified and addressed key issues.

Musa further pointed out that some saw getting Najib out was one way of solving the current dilemma Malaysia is in.

"I am not saying it. Maybe it is, but you have to go through the process," he said, adding that the best thing for the government to do was to let the people express their views.

"The Bersih (rally) is coming up, you could mess it up or you could make it a success. As long as you allow people to express their views, as long as you don't look for excuses to lock people up," he said.

Asked if he would attend Bersih 5.0 rally, his witty reply was: "I won't give you the privilege of a headline," to the laughter of the journalists.