Najib explains RM2.6 billion to Umno division heads in closed-door session

Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak spoke to division chiefs at a closed-door session at the Putra World Trade Centre today, explaining the issues concerning 1Malaysia Development Berhad and the RM2.6 billion in his personal accounts. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Kamal Ariffin, December 8, 2015.Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak kickstarted the Umno general assembly by explaining the RM2.6 billion political donation in his personal accounts and allegations against him by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in a closed-door meeting with the party's 191 division chiefs tonight.

Vice-presidents Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein later told the media of Najib's briefing to the grassroots leaders at a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre tonight.

Zahid said Najib, who is Umno president, disputed the claim by Dr Mahathir that Malaysians would become "beggars in their own country" if he continued as prime minister.

"He had pointed out that the gross domestic product had increased from RM200 billion to RM320 billion since he became PM," Zahid said.

"Foreign direct investment also increased from RM5 billion to RM5.3 billion."

Najib had gone on to stress that the person who donated RM2.6 billion "did not expect anything in return" and that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) knew the donor's identity.

He also explained at length, various issues concerning state-owned investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), its assets and financial performance.

"Many of these issues have been explained many times by him, but today he briefed all the division chiefs in a closed-door session," said Zahid, who is deputy prime minister.

The division chiefs received the explanation well and applauded Najib, he added.

"He gave facts to the delegates so that they can hear from him personally. The response from them was positive."

Najib has been under pressure to publicly account for the RM2.6 billion in his personal accounts, a large portion of which was transferred ahead of the 13th general election in May 2013.

He was to have answered questions by federal lawmakers on the money in the Parliament's lower house last week, but did not do so, on the advice of the Attorney-General because of pending investigations.

- TMI