1MDB: Dow Jones yet to clarify WSJ report - Lawyer

Dow Jones, the publisher of The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), has yet to clarify its stand on articles by WSJ which alleged that almost US$700 million from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had been deposited into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's personal bank accounts.

Lawyer Wan Azmir Wan Majid from the law firm of Messrs Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak, who is representing the prime minister, told Bernama that the 14-day period given to Dow Jones to respond to a letter seeking clarification on its stand ended today.

He said the letter sent on July 8 to the WSJ publisher was still unanswered.

Asked what action would be taken if Dow Jones refused to respond on the matter, Wan Azmir said the prime minister had several legal recourses which would be decided later.

"It is because the refusal of Dow Jones to give any reply or explanation on the allegations has to be carefully scrutinised on legal aspects and facts which have emerged recently," said the counsel, adding that he was bound by solicitor-client privilege and could not reveal details at this stage.

On July 8, the prime minister through Messrs Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak sent a letter to Dow Jones seeking clarification on its stand on the allegations made in the articles published on July 2 and 6.

The articles were alleged to have been released, published and distributed through WSJ's portal, www.wsj.com.