Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie Apdal has denied receiving money from 1MDB while he was in Umno, reported Malay Mail Online.

The former Umno vice-president also denied the claim by Umno minister Nazri Abdul Aziz that he and former Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin were the biggest beneficiaries of any donation received by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"As far as I know, Najib never gave me any money from 1MDB.

“I really want to know what Nazri is claiming we are the bigger recipient of, and what bank account of mine did he deposit it into,” Shafie said, demanding proof from his former colleague.

The Semporna MP insisted that he had never even spoken to the prime minister about such funding, except for one time with regards to a circular offering sponsorship “for anyone who wanted to travel for umrah for up to five people, but that is a few thousand ringgit per person".

“My God, this is a false and absurd claim by a senior minister.

“I remember when I raised the questions on 1MDB, Nazri was seated next to me. He gave me a thumbs up, but discreetly, not to be seen. He said it was good that we asked those questions. I’m surprised at these characters in politics that he is raising this now.

“If I was a recipient, I definitely wouldn't question it,” Shafie was quoted as saying.

Last Sunday, Nazri admitted to receiving funds from a controversial RM2.6 billion donation received by the prime minister for their party to use during the last general election.

The tourism and culture minister claimed both Shafie and Muhyiddin received more.

Najib has repeatedly denied abusing public funds for personal gain with regard to the sum in his bank account, RM2.6 billion of which was said to be a donation from a Saudi royal.

Attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali had also cleared him of any wrongdoing.