Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad should apologise to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Malaysians for his allegations over the RM2.6 billion donation.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak said Najib had been consistent with his response on the issue, even though various baseless accusations were leveled against him.

"From the very beginning the prime minister had said that the funds were donated by the Saudi government and he was very consistent (with his response)," he told reporters after a 'Mesra Siswa Perdana 2016' programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kadok, Kota Baru today.

Also present at the launch of the five-day programme was Ketereh MP Annuar Musa and 800 undergraduates from 18 public universities.

Saudi Arabian foreign minister Adel Al-Jubeir yesterday confirmed that the the donation to Najib was from his country and "nothing was expected in return."

Salleh said the admission concurred with investigations conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali that there were no elements of corruption and the money was not from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

"Now that the truth is out, Mahathir should apologise to the prime minister and Malaysians for what he had done which had caused certain parties to have a negative view of the country.

"By right we should give our undivided support to the government in addressing current issues, especially in economic issues, that is most crucial," he said.

'Say sorry for throwing Umno into chaos'

Meanwhile, the Umno Veterans Club too urged Mahathir to apologise to Najib, Umno, and 1MDB, for his accusations over the RM2.6 billion donation.

Its secretary, Mustapha Yaakub said the confirmation of the donation by the Saudi Arabian Foreign proves that all the accusations made against Najib are lies.

"Tun Mahathir has accused Najib of receiving RM2.6 billion from 1MDB. He also created chaos in Umno that resulted in the suspension of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Umno deputy president.

"He also got some NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and Malaysians to believe his lies and influenced the foreign media, especially the WSJ (Wall Street Journal) to Najib's name and the Malaysian government.

"Since Tun Mahathir prides himself with dignity, the Umno Veterans challenge him to apologise to Najib, the government, Umno and 1MDB," said Mustapha in a statement today.

Meanwhile, myPPP president M Kayveas urged the foreign media and the Opposition to apologise to Najib for spreading lies over the 1MDB issue.

"The foreign media loves controversial news which they regard as a business. In this case, they are mistaken and need to apologise to Najib.

"The same goes for the Opposition. If they truly love this country, are gentlemen and credible, they should apologise and admit their mistake," he told reporters after chairing the myPPP Supreme Council meeting today.

On the open debate between Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on the Taman Manggis land issue, Salleh said both parties should take heed of the advice given by inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar and MACC director Azam Baki.

"Based on information (I received) the IGP had advised against the debate as it will jeopardise investigations," he said.

On April 6 Abdul Rahman had challenged Lim to an open debate over the issue and the DAP secretary-general accepted it.

- Bernama

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