Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wants politicians whose businesses and personal interests took priority over the responsibility to serve the people to quit politics.

He said such an attitude displayed by some political leaders and members had damaged and tarnished the good name of their parties and the nation.

"Avoid it, so that there will be no corruption and abuse of power. There must be a separation point because the nation will collapse if there are such politicians," he said when opening the 'Jelajah Usahawan Malaysia Pakar (JUMP)' programme at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

Ahmad Zahid said such politicians were affecting the opportunities of bona fide entrepreneurs and were the factors for the negative public perception of politicians and the government.

He said the main responsibility of leaders and political party members was to serve the people and not to turn political parties as a platform to get more government tenders.

"Just stop and give a chance to young entrepreneurs; don't go tarnishing the image of politicians," he said.

- Bernama