Umno veteran Sanusi Junid today sarcastically said that Malaysia has finally become a world champion - in corruption.

The former Kedah menteri besar said that Malaysia has even surpassed Indonesia - a country notorious for its endemic corruption.

"The Indonesians are crying because they have lost to us... but not in badminton.

"We now beat them in corruption. If last time they win, now we are more corrupt than them," he told an audience of some 400 attendees at a hi-tea event featuring former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Sanusi also lamented the growing perception among the rakyat that their livelihood came from politicians instead of Allah.

He said this perception was fostered by politicians.

The former minister, who is a staunch Mahathir ally, warned if this was not remedied, Malays would become "bangsat".

"As long as this situation is not corrected, we will be a race of 'bangsat' and we will lose in the general election."