Dr Mahathir tells Najib to sue WSJ over US$1 billion claim

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says Datuk Seri Najib Razak should sue an American business daily over its latest expose that billions were diverted from a state fund into the prime minister’s accounts. – The…Datuk Seri Najib Razak should sue The Wall Street Journal over its latest expose that more than US$1 billion was deposited into his accounts, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said otherwise, the report would be deemed as having some truth to it.

“If it is not true, the prime minister should sue them for false reporting.

“If he doesn’t, then there must be some truth to what was said,” the former prime minister said today.

The WSJ on its latest expose today reported that the prime minister received more than US$1 billion – hundreds of millions more than previously identified.

The US-based business daily said its sources said global investigators believe much of it originated with a state investment fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The WSJ began its expose of Najib’s personal bank accounts last July but has yet to be sued by the prime minister, who has denied all allegations.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali said in January there was insufficient proof to charge Najib with any wrongdoing over the US$681 million found in his bank accounts.

But WSJ said the investigators’ belief contradicted the A-G’s conclusion.

The A-G had said that US$681 million deposited to Najib’s account was a legal donation from a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family and most was returned.

Apandi said there was nothing improper and it was time to stop scrutinising the deposits, a notion echoed by Najib.