WSJ financial editor's claim a wild accusation - Salleh

The claim that the RM2.6 billion donation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not come from the Saudi royal family, is a wild accusation, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.

On the claim by Wall Street Journal (WSJ) finance editor Ken Brown, Salleh said Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali had already clearly stated that the money was a private contribution from the Saudi royal family.

He said the AG had also cleared Najib of any wrongdoing in cases pertaining to SRC International, and the RM2.6 billion deposited into his bank account.

READ: 'Why is WSJ allowing itself to be used for anti-Najib campaign?'

"Najib is the first prime minister who opened himself to be investigated by the MACC by providing statements and full cooperation.

"We have a transparent legal and judicial system, and when something is investigated and a decision is made, we must respect the outcome," he said.

Salleh was met by reporters at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Singapore to enhance cooperation in the field of information and communication.

He was asked to comment on allegations by Brown in an interview with ABC News in Australia recently, where he said the RM2.6 billion donation was not from the Saudi royal family, but instead from various companies linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Salleh said the issue was now settled and it should not be further politicised, adding that all parties must focus on moving forward in addressing the country's economic problems and create more job opportunities for the

people.

He said differences of opinion were normal in a democratic society but it did not mean that people were free to 'over do it' in terms of insulting state leaders and administrative institutions, as it is against the law.

READ: 'WSJ's allegations an outright lie' - 1MDB

"Malaysia has independent investigative bodies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) which has investigated the matter and given a report to the Attorney-General saying the donation was from the Saudi royal family.

"Of course, we as Malaysians have to accept the decision, I do not understand why there are people making such accusations. They definitely have an ulterior motive, "he said.

Asked whether Najib will sue WSJ, Salleh said: "We leave it to the prime minister to take action based on the law."

Meanwhile, Salleh said Malaysians should seize the opportunity to look for employment while the government has temporarily frozen the intake of foreign workers from all source countries until it is satisfied with the real needs of industries.

"This announcement is a positive development. With this, people in Malayia should seize the existing opportunities, and work in the country," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today announced the temporary suspension on the recruitment of foreign labour.

Ahmad Zahid said the move was also to enable the government to review its decision on the two-tier levy programme for foreign workers.