There is still no end to confusion on the number of individuals from the Middle East who contributed to the RM2.6 billion political donation deposited into Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal bank accounts.
In his interview with The Star published today, Najib had once again said the fund came from "donors" with whom he had developed a personal relationship.
"It is not on an institutional basis or party basis. It is personal, that’s why they insisted it should be personal to me," said Najib.
"That was the wish of the donors, I didn’t want to offend them. It went into my personal account, but not in the sense that I use it for everyday expenses," he said.
While Najib had been quoted in recent interviews as having used the term "donor" and "donors", the authorities have consistently pinpointed one single Middle Eastern source, who has yet to be revealed.
In media statements issued on Aug 3 and 5, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed that the sum was a political donation and revealed that it had obtained details of the “donor”.
On Monday, the New Straits Times also reported that the MACC had sent a team to the Middle East to meet with the “donor”.
MACC investigations division director Azam Baki reportedly said the meeting was held recently, but could not disclose additional details, including the identity of the donor, as the matter is still being investigated.
Najib: MACC met with the donors
However, Najib, in The Star interview, was once again quoted as saying that MACC had met with the "donors" from Middle East.
"You have to ask them (MACC). I gave whatever information I know. They went and met with the donors.
"The most important thing is to ascertain that the money is not coming from 1MDB. There are no specific laws relating to political funding," he said, adding that the opposition had turned down his suggestion four years ago on laws to regulate political funding.
"They didn’t want it because some businessmen, seemingly friendly with BN, also buy 'insurance policy' and contribute to the opposition," Najib claimed.
The MACC last week questioned Najib on the RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd that was deposited into his personal accounts and the RM2.6 billion 'donation'.
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