Date fixed, MACC to quiz PM Najib soon

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will record a statement from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak soon concerning its probe on the RM2.6 billion political donation and RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd deposited into his personal bank accounts.

Earlier reports claimed the commission would quiz the prime minister today.

However, sources from MACC and the Prime Minister's Department told Malaysiakini that this morning's meeting was held to fix a date.

"We have fixed a date for this purpose and it (the interview) will be done soon," said a source, who wished to remain anonymous.

Previously, the MACC recorded statements from flamboyant business tycoon Low Taek Jho, popularly known as Jho Low, and SRC International Sdn Bhd director Mohd Suboh Md Yasin.

The issue erupted in July when the Wall Street Journal and whistleblower website Sarawak Report revealed the transactions based on leaked documents.

Najib and his supporters have described the RM2.6 billion, transferred just before the 2013 general election, as donation from a Middle Eastern source, which was also confirmed by MACC.

However, MACC is still probing the matter with regard to gratification.

The donation claim had failed to convince the prime minister's critics such as former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who argued that the Arabs are not that generous.

As for the RM42 million, the sum from the Finance Ministry-owned and former 1MDB subsidiary was transferred in late 2014 and early this year.

Najib, who is also the finance minister, has denied any wrongdoing or abusing public funds for personal gain.

The prime minister also claimed that there is a conspiracy to topple him.

This morning, opposition lawmakers were up in arms when Najib did not appear in Parliament to explain the RM2.6 billion issue as stated earlier.

Instead, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahidi delivered a three-minute explanation, which did not include new information, while the speaker ruled there can be no questions or debate.

Quizzed on Najib's absence later, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Saidtold reporters the attorney-general warned that such discussions would be sub judice.

-Mkini