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Funds were donated by Arab royals to Najib for his ‘anti-Jewish stance’

KUALA LUMPUR — In the latest revelation on the RM2.6 billion (S$869 million) saga, a leader of the ruling party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) said the funds found in Prime Minister Najib Razak’s private accounts were donated by an “Arab king and prince” purportedly because of Mr Najib’s anti-Jewish stance.

Mr Ridhuan said the money was meant to be a political donation to be used during the 2013 election. Photo: Malay Mail Online

Mr Ridhuan said the money was meant to be a political donation to be used during the 2013 election. Photo: Malay Mail Online

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KUALA LUMPUR — In the latest revelation on the RM2.6 billion (S$869 million) saga, a leader of the ruling party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) said the funds found in Prime Minister Najib Razak’s private accounts were donated by an “Arab king and prince” purportedly because of Mr Najib’s anti-Jewish stance.

According to UMNO division chief Ridhuan Abdul Hamid, the money was meant to be a political donation to be used during the 2013 election.

“Because of (Mr Najib’s anti-Jewish stance), the Arab king and prince generously made the political donation for use during the 13th general election,” he said during the Kepong UMNO division meeting yesterday.

A Wall Street Journal report last month alleged that RM2.6 billion had been funnelled into Mr Najib’s personal accounts from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state investment vehicle, with a RM42 billion debtpile, that is currently under probe for alleged financial irregularities.

But the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) refuted the allegations this month, saying the funds were donations from the Middle East. The commission did not, however, reveal the identity of the donor(s).

On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he met representatives of the Middle Eastern donor, who told him the funds were given as a sign of thanks for Malaysia’s efforts against terrorism.

Mr Zahid also said the donor wanted to keep UMNO and ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) in power.

Earlier this month, Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid generated controversy when he claimed that reports published by whistleblower site Sarawak Report were promoting the Jewish and Christian agenda of aiming to split the Malays.

Mr Najib and his administration have been under fire over the 1MDB controversy.

The Prime Minister yesterday said it is better for him to explain in private issues pertaining to funds for the party rather than discussing it openly.

This, he said, was because public discussions could affect the party, adding that opposition parties, too, were unable to explain the source of their funding.

“I can explain. No problem, but not openly because it can affect the party,” Mr Najib said when launching an UMNO division meeting in Kedah yesterday afternoon.

“As long as there is no stealing from the people or violation of the law ... as long as we follow this rule, we just have to do what is necessary for the party.”

Mr Najib told the delegates that to move the party’s machinery, they would need funds and this was also admitted by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has been at the forefront of a diatribe against Mr Najib over 1MDB and calls for the Premier’s resignation.

He said Dr Mahathir once said that every political party needed funds.

“But we must never buy votes. When I was UMNO Youth chief, did I buy votes? I helped the party with the machinery and the funds whenever needed,” Mr Najib said.

“That is my principle. I believe in my leader. I never questioned Pak Lah (his immediate predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi). He also never questioned Dr Mahathir. People said that I am ‘lembut’ (soft) ... don’t, there is a limit. I hold on to my principles,” he said, adding that party members should stop digging holes in their own ship. AGENCIES

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