Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has called for allegations against his boss Najib Abdul Razak to be investigated following a Wall Street Journal report that claimed US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) of 1MDB's funds had been deposited into the prime minister's personal bank accounts.
"This allegation is very serious and can affect Najib's credibility and integrity as prime minister and head of government.
"Therefore, it is my stance that the relevant investigative authorities, such as the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC), Bank Negara Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Police, with the cooperation of the Attorney-General's (AG) Chambers, must act immediately to investigate all allegations made against Najib," he said in a statement today.
However the DPM did not comment if the prime minister should remain in office during the investigations.
Given that the allegations were against Najib himself, it is only fair that the prime minister explained himself, he said.
Muhyiddin welcomed Najib’s statement last night where the prime minister denied the embezzlement claims made against him.
However, instead of questioning Wall Street Journal and Sarawak Report 's credibility like some of his BN counterparts, Muhyiddin asked Najib to take legal action to clear his name.
"If he believes they are false allegations, then it is right for him to take legal action against those who made the accusations to clear his name and to return credibility to the government," he said.
Asking everyone to remain calm while the investigations are ongoing, he said he was certain the truth will be revealed eventually.
Yesterday, Wall Street Journa l had reported that US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) had been deposited into Najib's bank accounts from a 1MDB subsidiary.
The prime minister's political secretary then said today that Najib planned to take legal action against WSJ as the report was "very malicious".
DAP: Najib must go on leave
In an immediate response, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said Muhyiddin's stand was welcome, and said under such circumstances it would be proper for Najib to go on leave.
"During the investigation into the allegations against the prime minister, (he) should go on leave as it is inconceivable that any thorough, professional, and credible investigation into any sitting prime minister could be carried out.
"Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done - and this is particularly pertinent and relevant where an investigation into allegations against the prime minister is concerned," said Lim, who is Gelang Patah MP.
Najib, he added, should do what is right and honourable for the country.
"Najib should not put the country under a cloud of disgrace and infamy for having a prime minister against whom grave allegations of prime ministerial misconduct and even criminal offences had been made by an internationally reputable global publication, and he should take leave until the investigations are completed."
Lim also mused if the AG would exercise his powers under Article 145(3) of the constitution to arrest, charge and prosecute the prime minister should the circumstances require it.
Responding to AG Abdul Gani Patail's statement today that the latter has reviewed documents related to the allegations of fund transfers to Najib's account, Lim said the public deserves to know what the follow-up actions are.
"In fact, Gani owes the Malaysian public an explanation what actions he has taken after examining the documents [...].
"I will ask to meet with the AG next week on these momentous developments in the country," he said.
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