Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) cleared him of corruption over the US$700 million or RM2.6 billion donation in his personal accounts, according to reports.
The prime minister and Umno president was reported as saying that he had taken the money on behalf of the party, and that it was not used for personal gain.
“Don't say I sell the country, I won't sell the country. I'm the prime minister who will take responsibility for whatever I do,” he was reported saying during the opening of the Bandar Tun Razak Umno division meeting today.
Najib added that while others may receive such funds in exchange for favours like contracts and land development approval, he did not do so which led to MACC clearing him.
“And I receive not because I give contract, others can receive because contract is received, maybe approval for land development is received, others give donation.
“But this has no connection at all, that's why MACC has said it is not corruption and not 1MDB money,” he reportedly said, referring to strategic investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad by its acronym.
According to reports, Najib did not directly mention the RM2.6 billion donation that MACC had announced was from a Middle Eastern donor.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing documents from Malaysian investigators, reported last month that US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) had been deposited in Najib's personal bank accounts.
Najib has denied taking 1MDB funds for personal use, but has not directly addressed the fund transfers.
On Monday, MACC confirmed the existence of the huge sum, but said it came from a Middle Eastern donor, not from 1MDB.
MACC did not reveal the identity of the donor, but said it would ask Najib to provide an explanation for the donation.
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