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'Too early for such demand'
Published on: Tuesday, July 07, 2015
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Kuala Lumpur: Datuk Khairy Jamaluddin insisted Monday Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak does not have to take a leave of absence from official duties pending an investigation into a shocking money trail of nearly US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) purportedly into his personal bank accounts.The Youth and Sports Minister added that such absence was unnecessary as the Prime Mminister has yet to be charged with any crime.

"The investigation is already ongoing so I think it's best that we allow it to take place and not make any premature conclusions," Khairy told reporters during a Barisan Nasional Youth break-of-fast event.

International Islamic University Malaysia student council wanted Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to pressure Datuk Seri Najib Razak to take a leave of absence while the probe into claims in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report is still ongoing.

Council President Hanif Mahpa also urged Najib and Putrajaya to sue WSJ, and Bank Negara and AmBank to immediately clear the air over the allegations.

At the same time, the student council suggested that a Royal Commission of Inquiry be set up to investigate the controversy surrounding 1MDB.

Hanif said that if the government failed to take action and stop the misappropriation of state funds, the student council will not hesitate to push for a large scale protest comprising university students all over the country.

He expressed disappointment over allegations against the Najib-led government, singling out issues on 1MDB.

"It started with exposés of misappropriation of RM42 billion in 1MDB, followed by the purchase of land in Tun Razak Exchange from the fund.

"And the latest is the WSJ report saying there is RM2.6 billion credited into the prime minister's personal account which has shocked the nation."

He added that it was distressing news given that the people were struggling economically to deal with the petrol price hikes, and the goods and services tax (GST).

Last Thursday, WSJ and UK-based website Sarawak Report made the revelation that up to US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) was allegedly transferred to two bank accounts under Najib's name with AmBank in 2013.

The Prime Minister, however, has denied ever taking any funds from 1MDB for personal gain and instead pinned the blame for the latest report on former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad whom he also accused of working with foreign agents against his administration.

However, opposition politicians have taken Najib to task over his "ambiguous denial", while WSJ is standing by its story, saying its report was based on solid documentation proof.

This allegation follows an earlier one, also reported by WSJ, that 1MDB had indirectly funded part of Najib's general election campaign in 2013 through an overpriced purchase of assets from the Genting Group.





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