PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has released documents he claims are proof that the Saudi Arabian royalty had indeed donated US$100mil (RM304.5mil) to him in 2011.
The document which was uploaded on Najib's Facebook page revealed that a donation totalling US$100mil (RM304.5mil) was indeed made to him, as per the contents of a letter written by Saudi Prince Abdul Aziz Al-Saud dated February 1, 2011.
The letter, which was addressed to Najib's residence in Jalan Langgak Duta, stated that the donation was made to Najib to recognise his contribution to the Islamic world.
"In view of the friendship that we have developed over the years and your new ideas as a modern Islamic leader, I hereby grant you a sum of United States Dollars One Hundred Million (USD100,000,000) Only ("Gift") which shall be remitted to you at such times and in such manner as I deem fit.
"You shall have absolute discretion to determine how the Gift shall be utilised and I am confident that your actions will continue to promote Islam so it continues to flourish. This is merely a small gesture on my part but it is my way of contributing to the development of Islam to the world.
"This letter is issued as a gesture of good faith and for clarification, I do not expect to receive any personal benefit whether directly or indirectly as a result of the Gift. The Gift should not in any event be construed as an act of corruption since this is against the practice of Islam and I personally do not encourage such practices in any manner whatsoever.
"This is merely a personal token of appreciation and I am hoping that the Gift would encourage you to continue with your good work to promote Islam around the world," the letter by Abdul Aziz read.
Najib in his post said that the Saudi royal family decided to make the donation following the Arab Spring uprising in late 2010 among Muslim nations in the Middle East and in Africa, including nations that were allies with Saudi Arabia.
"The late King Abdullah was very worried at the time and had sought to pay leaders and Islamic governments a large sum of money to preserve stability. At that time, oil prices were high and Saudi Arabia had earned a lot of revenue from it," he said.
Najib added that the money which was given to him was used for Barisan Nasional's political purposes, adding that it includes the vans that were bought by Umno Johor.
He also said that the Feb 2011 letter was the first of many other letters sent by the same prince which includes other donations in the following years.
Najib said although the Saudi Arabia foreign ministry had twice confirmed that their government had donated the money to him without any condition, but he said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was disappointed that Saudi Arabia had refused to deny the RM2.6bil was a donation to him.
"In my coming Facebook status or through a media interview, I will explain in detail while also showing prove that will explain the donation that I received after 2011, including the RM2.6bil issue," he said.