"Don't make 1MDB a political football" - Najib

The prime minister said: "Allow the 1MDB issue to be resolved. If there are wrongdoings (in 1MDB), let the PAC (Public Accounts Committee) find out, and appropriate action will be taken.

"Since we have been elected by the people, we will do our level best," he said when officiating at the 44th Gerakan national delegates' conference today.

Also present were Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong and MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said every country had experienced difficult times, including Malaysia which went through the ASEAN financial crisis and managed to recover as there was a strong belief in the leadership.

"If we support the leadership, God willing, we will overcome all the political and economic challenges. Even the 1MDB problem can be resolved," he said.

"Don't allow it (1MDB) be a political football just because you want to change the government and leadership of the country. You can't because we are democratically elected by the people."

On the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), Najib said Malaysia should be open to the global market in order to become a successful nation.

"That is why we are participating in the TPPA...because we are a major trading nation, and a major trading nation needs markets. Even furniture suppliers in Muar (Johor) can export to TPPA countries.

"In principle, it is good if we sign the TPPA, but we protect our domestic market. Believe me, what we are doing is the right way...we believe that Malaysia is modern and progressive but we must be open to the world," he said.