Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's 'Arab' benefactors would have wanted publicity if they were to donate RM2.6 billion, claimed former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Mahathir said they would not have given such a large sum quietly.
"They not only gave (the RM2.6 billion) but they gave it quietly, they didn't tell anyone.
"I think if an Arab wanted to give that much money, he would have called the press 'look I'm giving so much money to Najib'. That is the ego of someone who gives away money," Mahathir said at an event in Tawau, Sabah today.
A video of the speech was uploaded by blogger Din Turtle.
It was revealed this year that Najib had received RM2.6 billion into his personal accounts prior to the 2013 general elections.
The sum is said to have been donated by a
Middle-Eastern
donor, allegedly as thanks for Malaysia's counter-terrorism efforts and to keep Umno in power.
Najib also claimed that there is no element of graft in the donation.
'I'm not anti-Umno'
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) however is still probing the donation, and said it plans to question Najib.
Mahathir is currently on the warpath to oust Najib, claiming he would bring ruin to the country.
However, the former premier said he did not want to destroy Umno in the process.
"I am not anti-Umno, no. I still believe in Umno and BN.
"What I don't agree with is Umno's leader, Najib," Mahathir stressed.
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