1MDB: People urged to trust country's institutions to deal with issue - Shahrir

Barisan Nasional Back Benchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad said the people should not be influenced by external elements like foreign media speculation, and should be patient in awaiting any decision.

"We have to be patient and trust the country's institutions (Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Auditor-General) to do their work. If we keep believing in foreign media and outsiders' allegations, then it will be difficult for us," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after handing over Aidilfitri contributions from Johor Baharu UMNO to single mothers, orphans, the disabled and the poor here, Saturday.

Shahrir, who is also Johor Baharu UMNO chief, said the allegations were deliberate attempts to test the strength of the country's institutions in addressing the issue.

Shahrir said foreign media attempts to denigrate developing countries like Malaysia were not new as they had happened even under the administration of the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said if Malaysia was able to handle the situation and counter all the allegations, it would be seen as a mature and democratic country with strong institutions.

"The PAC has started the hearings and has been calling up witnesses, so we just wait for the outcome of the investigation.

In Kuala Lumpur, Perkasa President Datuk Ibrahim Ali echoed the same, saying it was only right that all parties give the Special Task Force comprising the Police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Bank Negara Malaysia, the time and space to conduct detailed investigations into the 1MDB case.

Ibrahim said Perkasa urged all parties to remain calm until the investigations were completed and not to worsen the situation.