RM2.6b donation, 1MDB no longer trivial matters - Muhyiddin

The 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue and issues related to the RM2.6 billion political donation is no longer trivial, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In fact, the UMNO deputy president said those issues create huge impact towards the party and nation.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as UMNO president must explain to party members and the people on certain issues that are raised.

Muhyiddin said the move should be done before the government and the country's image continues to tarnish.

According to Muhyiddin, it is up to the Najib to answer the questions, fearing it might affect the government in the next general election.

"We know that the previous Attorney-General has already taken steps to set up a task force (special task force). Under the task force, there are the police, the Governor of Bank Negara and also the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) chairman - together making the investigation transparent.

"I think it is wise, but it's not about setting up the team. What's important is finding the problems or issues faced by the company, whether unlawful or otherwise ... and identify who is responsible.

"As the Prime Minister mentioned, legal action must be taken against them because they have brought Malaysia and the company to a significant loss ... and a bit of an overwhelming burden," he said in his speech at the UMNO Kemaman Division delegates meeting on Friday.

Also present were Kemaman UMNO chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, who is also the Kijal assemblyman and his deputy, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who is also MP for Kemaman and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin, who is also former deputy prime minister, reiterated his loyalty to UMNO because it is the trust of the people in the struggle for the Malays and Islam in the country.

He said the question of party integrity must be a priority and as a leader in UMNO, the trust needs to be maintained and upheld.

He said that although at one point he and Najib had differing views, but it was done upon the principles that responsibilities of each issue should be discussed together.

He said as the number two person in the party, he felt responsible to ensure that issues can be resolved as soon as possible.