Response to Malay ruler’s statement on 1MDB – Zahid Hamidi

The following is the full statement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

1. First of all, let me, as the Deputy Prime Minister and Umno vice-president, thank all quarters who have expressed their views on the recent statement of the Conference of Rulers relating to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue and the country's situation. The right to freedom of speech is fundamental to the democratic system that we celebrate.

2. However, any provocative statements should not be made to depict enforcement agencies as not taking immediate action to complete the investigations and start early prosecution.

3. Trust must be given to the heads of the relevant departments to prepare the investigation papers and prosecution papers according to the existing legislative methods. Any pressure for tending sentiment and pointing fingers should not lean against any proposition to not delay the legislative measures undertaken.

4. It must be realised that the sincere recommendations in the Conference of Rulers' statement should not be abused to one's advantage, but should be understood clearly to reflect the sincerity to save the party and the government, rather than to hold grudges and worsen the situation, which will only lead to a situation where we only win the battle but lose the war.

5. If there is a true desire of certain quarters to save the country and party, prudent measures should be the priority so that it will not be misused by the minority to topple the government in an immoral manner, even though it is legal.

6. As a loyal Umno stalwart, I believe that all problems can be solved with "istiqamah" (steadfastness). I am confident that the prime minister and the government are doing the best in ensuring the rationalisation programme which had the support of the Cabinet can be solved within six months as agreed.

7. Upholding the Conference of Rulers' statement is not by taking provocative measures to instigate the public to question the credibility of the agencies to take rational action in accordance with the law.

8. As leaders who are still respected for whatever key position in the party, it is only apt that the action taken should reflect the efforts towards unity in these difficult times faced by Umno, Barisan Nasional and the government.

9. The same difficult situation was also faced by previous leaders, and it was through unity that the problems were resolved wisely. I call on all quarters to trust the enforcement and legislation agencies without questioning their ability to discharge their duties properly.

10. I also call upon the people, especially government party leaders at all levels, to be open-minded without letting their minds be filled with hatred.

11. Let us unite our hearts, strengths and goals to ensure the stability of the country is protected in today's very challenging economic and geopolitical scenarios. I want to stress that the main priority of the government today is to ensure the future of the people of various races and religions in Malaysia is always protected.

* Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is the Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.