Former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has called on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to resolve the problems concerning 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

In a statement issued through his daughter Nurul Izzah from court today, he said Najib, who is also finance minister, owed the people an explanation on this issue.

“The leakages and loss incurred because of weak management and abuse of 1MDB must be dealt with immediately,” he added.

Anwar, who is serving a five-year prison term, said the poor are also suffering due to the imposition of the goods and services tax (GST).

“Our focus now should be on championing the people’s right in opposing to the increase of prices or goods because of GST,” he added.

Anwar said Najib should address these two issues before announcing the 11th Malaysia Plan.

The prime minister unveiled the 11MP in Parliament this morning, charting the nation’s course for the next five years.

However, it was a video of his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin calling for 1MDB’s board of directors to be axed and investigated which has become the main issue.

The 1MDB imbroglio continues to be one of the biggest thorns for the Najib administration.

Despite the prime minister’s repeated attempts at firefighting, the issue continues to blaze.

Meanwhile, Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who replaced him as opposition leader, reminded the public about Najib's lofty promise in the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), particularly on 1MDB which has turned into a debt burden.

"I am worried about the true impact of the 10MP on the livelihood and wellbeing of the rakyat which will become apparent during the 11MP.

"For example, the 10MP previously mentioned how 1MDB will benefit the rakyat and in the 11MP, we will evaluate the impact of 1MDB on who did it really benefit as well as where the Goods and Services Tax collected will be spent," she said.