Complaints by Malaysians are partly to blame for the country dropping seven places in global competitiveness, according to Second Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti) Ong Ka Chuan.

Ong pointed out that just 30 percent of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) 2016-2017 was based on quantitative data from the government.

The remaining 70 percent was based on the perception of the locals – in this case, Malaysians, he said, some of whom have grudges against the government.

“In Singapore, they get high marks as their people give good comments to the country.

"I have to say that we have to train our citizens: When it comes to surveys and such, I don't expect everybody to make up a rosy picture, but at least you don't condemn the country, you just speak the truth.

"Just speak the truth without emotion, even if sometimes you don't like the government, don't blame the country… Because when the rating is down, it affects everybody," Ong told a press conference after attending an exhibition on small- and medium-sized enterprises in KLCC.