PARLIAMENT Former second finance minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah (BN-Tambun) today urged the government to consider how 1MDB's problems would affect Malaysia's survival.

This was the first time he has addressed the 1MDB controversy from the backbench after spending seven years as a cabinet minister, which incidentally coincides with 1MDB's lifespan.

While debating the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's Budget 2017 speech today, Husni wanted the government to consider several negative outcomes from the 1MDB controversy.

"The prime minister said perception determines our survival. Let's just say, and I'm not mentioning the US Department of Justice, but let's just say the case is not in our favour. How will this affect the perception of our country?

"Let's just say the US$4 billion in Aabar (BVI) goes missing, how will our country be perceived?" he asked.

Husni also asked if Malaysia will be perceived negatively if 1MDB loses its arbitration case to Abu Dhabi-based International Petroleum Investment Co, which is seeking over US$6.5 billion.

According to Husni, these are matters which may haunt BN in coming elections.

"BN may win the next election, but what about the elections after that?" he asked.

Other ramifications, Husni said, include a drop in Malaysia's financial ratings, which would result in investors pulling out.

He added that this will tank the economy, and cause the government's income to dwindle.

While attempting to steer clear from the US Department of Justice lawsuits, he also pointed out that Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Singapore were all taking action over 1MDB.

Earlier in his speech, Husni raised multiple questions relating to 1MDB.

Among others, he asked why 1MDB was formed, and if any action would be taken against 1MDB's management for channeling the investment firm's funds to the "wrong places".

He also wants to know why the government is only getting full payment for the 60 percent sale of Bandar Malaysia by 2020, instead of immediately.

He warned that the government should take the 1MDB problem seriously instead of pointing fingers and blaming others.

Husni had quit the government in June, after finding out that he would be transferred to a different ministry in a cabinet reshuffle.

He said his decision to quit came after a Bank Negara official pointed out that he was not responsible for the 1MDB scandal.

Husni said this realisation lifted a weight off his chest, as he had been extremely stressed on how to resolve 1MDB's woes.