Najib Abdul Razak and his family must volunteer any information they may have on fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho so they may clear their names smeared with allegations relating to the 1MDB scandal, an Umno leader has said.

In a statement, Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin said it was the "responsibility" of the former premier and his family to do so.

"I very much believe that the effort to seek the truth and justice in the 1MDB scandal will be accorded the cooperation of Najib and his family. If they know or possess any information on Jho Low, of course, it becomes their responsibility to share that with the local authorities.

"It is not just the right thing to do. In fact, it will help to clear the name and image of him and his family, which have been tainted by the scandal," he said in a statement today.

Khaled said this was especially as the capture of the financier could finally put an end to the never-ending saga of the 1MDB scandal, which has been dominating the national agenda.

He said despite Low being reportedly linked to the multibillion ringgit scandal involving the beleaguered state investment fund, including the alleged purchase of the luxury yacht Equanimity, the latter has yet to be caught and tried.

Low is being sought by the authorities of numerous countries, including Malaysia and Singapore. and has been named by the United States over his link to the state investment fund founded by Najib.

"It paves the way for all sorts of stories and speculation that is not clear, inaccurate and confusing... not just to Umno but to the government. More importantly, it will not help to bring about an end to this issue," he said.

Therefore, he said, it was critical for the government, "to double its efforts to capture, return, question and try him" in court so that Malaysian could finally learn the truth.

Khaled said: "This will bring an end to the scandal, and allow the government and the rakyat to focus on other more important things. There are other things that Malaysia must look at, and handle better, (and) not just this neverending scandal.

"The approach of waiting and hoping for him to come forth on his own accord and volunteer any explanation would not succeed in this case."

The former minister said that the past government could no longer be blamed for the failure to apprehend Low, as Umno themselves wanted the matter settled, while bringing those involved in the 1MDB affair to justice had been the commitment made by the current government during the 14th general election.