PAS’s Datuk Mahfuz Omar today questioned why Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not deny that the Ambank account number as alleged by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) did not belong to him.
Instead, Mahfuz said, it was ‘very strange’ that Najib said even if he had wanted to touch public funds, he would not have done it using a local bank.
Najib was alleged to have received RM2.6 billion of the 1Malaysia Development Funds (1MDB) funds into his personal Ambank account from three companies associated with 1MDB, just before the 13th general election.
“Najib did not deny the allegation based on facts or figures reported. Instead he said he will not rob the people of their money. He had said even if he wants to do so, he would not do it using a local bank,” Mahfuz said.
“The issue here is Najib until now did not deny that the account as exposed by the WSJ with the account number, belonged to him. Najib also did not deny that RM2.6 billion was deposited to his personal Ambank account,” he said adding that the premier also did not deny that three companies had deposited the amount to his account.
Instead of answering the allegation, the Pokok Sena MP said Najib only said that the money was not public funds.
“If these are not public funds, the people are questioning where did it come from since it involved such huge amount,” he asked.
Mahfuz also accused Najib of trying to divert from the issue with illogical matters like the National Feedlot Corp (NFC).
“A total amount of RM250 million which was released for cattle breeding was diverted to condo buying,” he said.
In its article published last Friday, WSJ alleged that 1MDB funds amounting to US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) had been channelled to the premier's personal account, a claim denied by both Najib and 1MDB.
Several parties have since urged the Prime Minister to take legal action against WSJ to clear his name and defend the government’s integrity.
Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said authorities are currently investigating three companies linked to the WSJ allegations which had also been reported by the Sarawak Report.
Meanwhile, the multi-agency task force probing the issue said six bank accounts related to the investigation have been frozen.
The joint statement signed by Abdul Gani, Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief, Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, said the order to freeze the six accounts was issued on July 6.
Astro Awani
Tue Jul 07 2015
Mahfuz said, it was very strange that Najib said even if he had wanted to touch public funds, he would not have done it using a local bank.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.