Action to be taken against those who tarnish country's image - Anifah

Action may be taken against anyone who tries to tarnish the image of the country by criticizing the government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

The kind of action to be taken would be decided after Aidilfitri, he said.

"Wait until the Hari Raya is over. Right now I do not have any to make," he told reporters after breaking fast with Wisma Putra staff and foreign dignitaries, here Wednesday.

Asked if there would be any action against the Sarawak Report blog and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) publication which has done so much damage, Anifah said "may bemay be."

said if they were banned, the public would accuse of trying to restrict or trying to stifle the press.

"But when it comes to the point of national will take whatever action that is deemed fit and acceptable," he said.

Asked about the cabinet meeting which discussed the WSJ's accusation today, Anifah said such discussions were normal.

"It is a norm to discuss all issues. We are satisfied with the Prime Minister's explanation," he said.

Last Friday, The Wall Street Journal published a report alleging that nearly US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) of 1MDB funds had been channelled to personal bank accounts of the prime minister.

The Cabinet was of the opinion that there should be no speculation over the issue since the Special Task Force involving the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Attorney-General's Chambers and Bank Negara, should be allowed to complete its investigation.

Yesterday, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed announced the formation of a special task force to investigate the allegations.

Among others, the task force has ordered a freeze on six bank accounts of people believed to be involved in the case.