Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron has slammed postings on social media that suggest Malaysia’s economy is facing a downturn, arguing no one has died of hunger yet.

On the contrary not only is Malaysia prosperous, he said, but it is the fruit of Umno policies to ensure social justice.

Officiating the Ampang Umno divisional meetings for its Youth, Women, and Puteri wings today, Idris said to be economically prosperous, means being able to put enough food on the table.

Not only is no one dying of hunger in Malaysia, he said, but the country is so prosperous, some are finding that 29 days of Syawwal is not enough to hold Hari Raya open houses.

He cited an anecdote about an acquaintance who wanted to hold a Hari Raya open house today, although the month of Shawwal has already passed.

Today is already the fourth day of Dhu'l-Qa'dah on the Hijri calendar.

“They said never mind, the festivities can go on for 60 days. I told them to make plans for the eve of Aidil Adha instead.

“This is economic prosperity. Why does his open house keep going, until 29 days is not enough? Because of economic prosperity.

“There is a marathon (in Kuala Lumpur) today right? If the country is not prosperous, can you run in the middle of the highway?

"In Kabul yesterday, 80 people were killed by two suicide bombers […]

“This economic prosperity is Umno’s handiwork […] Not only is there enough food, but it is overflowing.

"This is the true manifestation of economic prosperity. This is it,” he said.

He also shared another anecdote from a phone conversation between him and an acquaintance in Libya, which is now embroiled in civil war.

Idris said he was told that the six out of the person’s seven uncles had been shot dead just before Hari Raya, while landowners in the country were busy opening new wheat fields to supply food.

Despite this, food shortages mean that Libyans are only able to eat once a day, and many had died of famine.

“When (he) asked me, ‘My brother, how many times do people in Malaysia eat in a day,’ how am I supposed to answer? Six? Breakfast, lunch, brunch, high tea, dinner and supper?

“But I answered, ‘Don’t worry, many people die too’. Many people die of overeating,” he said.