Najib didn't take our money, insists 1MDB

KUALA LUMPUR: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) insists that none of its funds went to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak.

The Finance Ministry-owned company said this in response to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report on Friday which claimed almost US$700mil in funds from 1MDB went into Najib's personal accounts.

"In reference to media reports published earlier today, 1MDB wishes to make clear that the company has never provided any funds to the prime minister.

"To suggest otherwise, as some media outlets have done, is highly irresponsible and a deliberate attempt to undermine the company," it said in a statement.

Below is the statement issued by 1MDB:

1MDB never provided funds to PM

In reference to media reports published earlier today, 1MDB wishes to make clear that the company has never provided any funds to the Prime Minister. To suggest otherwise, as some media outlets have done, is highly irresponsible and a deliberate attempt to undermine the company.

Recent revelations have raised concerns about the veracity of a number of 'leaked' documents which certain media outlets, and online blogs such as Sarawak Report, have used to mislead the public and justify spurious allegations against the company and the government.

According to press reports, these documents were found to have been tampered with, and were being used by an individual - who is currently under arrest in a foreign country - to extort and blackmail his former employer.

We are therefore surprised that documents such as these, whose existence and authenticity have not been publicly verified, continue to be used as a basis to create new unsubstantiated allegations against 1MDB.

1MDB is currently cooperating with a number of enquiries being conducted by lawful authorities including the Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and Bank Negara. These authorities have all the relevant information, and we request all parties to await the outcome of their findings before making further allegations and rushing to judgement.