Donation from ‘brotherly nation’

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM2.6bil donation deposited into the Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s personal account was from a “brotherly nation” and will not make the country susceptible to meddling by the Middle East, said Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

“The donation was given to us by a friendly nation, a nation which is not much stronger than us ... not like the US that can influence us,” said the Tourism and Culture Minister when asked if Malaysia would come under the influence a foreign power as a result of the donation. He did not name the donor or country.

He added that political parties received donations and it would be double standard to demonise the Prime Minister for it.

“I would like to remind all political parties ... don’t lie saying that they don’t receive donations.

“For example, just to contest for a parliamentary seat, it costs RM5,000. Imagine 100 seats,” Nazri said at a press conference after the 2015 Declaration of National Heritage event at the National Museum yesterday.

He added that it was more “transparent” to channel the RM2.6bil into Najib’s personal account.

“Compared to taking donations in cash or putting it in a Swiss Bank, this is more transparent.

“Just click on the computer and all the transactions will appear,” he added.

Nazri also stated his support for a law governing political donations.

“Like in the US, when they receive donations, it would be registered. Everyone knows so there are no issues,” he said, adding that Malaysia should have a similar system.

Speaking on the questioning and actions taken against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers involved in 1MDB investigations, Nazri said the situation was not unusual.

“MACC is free to carry out its responsibilities but it is not above the law. However, when they leak information that they should not, then they are wrong,” he said, adding that even the police were subject to the law.

He was commenting on the issue of seven MACC officers who were detained and questioned by police, as well as the cancelled transfers of another two.