Najib sacked his deputy on Tuesday after he called on Najib publicly to explain the situation around 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) [TERRN.UL], which has debts of more than $11 billion and is being investigated for financial mismanagement and graft.
Chief government secretary Ali Hamsa also announced on Tuesday the immediate removal from office of Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail due to health reasons.
– The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 29, 2015.Datuk Seri Najib Razak had explained to Umno Supreme Council members about allegations of billions of ringgit going into his personal accounts, newly-appointed deputy minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said tonight.
Mr Najib has come under mounting pressure over the past year amid a drip-feed of allegations related to 1MDB, which he launched in 2009.
This month, the Wall Street Journal reported that investigators looking into 1MDB had traced close to $700 million of deposits into personal accounts belonging to Najib.
Legal activist group Lawyers for Liberty said removing the attorney-general “is shocking to say the least, and can only fuel public suspicion of interference” in the investigations.
Mahathir, who has not commented on the scandal in recent days, said in April Muhyiddin would make a better prime minister than Najib, media has reported.
“During my service I supported all the government’s initiatives and the prime minister’s leadership except on the issue of 1MDB, where I have my own principles and stance in defense of Malaysians, the party’s reputation and national interests”, he said.
“Members of the Cabinet should not air their differences in an open forum that can affect public opinion against the Government and Malaysia”.
Muhyiddin said he did not know if a no-confidence vote against Najib as proposed by the opposition would take place, but he pledged to follow whatever his party decided.
“The former prime minister or the views of former leaders can not be overlooked because he (Mahathir) is still active and contributing ideas”, he said.
Both Muhyiddin and Shafie were vocal in criticising the 1MDB issue, which has plunged the Najib administration in a crisis.
Home Minister Zahid Hamidi replaced Yassin as deputy premier.
Now with the replacement of the attorney general, there are questions whether the Malaysian public will get the truth.
Muhyiddin: I asked him “From whom?’ He did not mention (what his name was) but from somewhere in the Middle East. How much?”
UMNO, which represents the majority ethnic Malay community, has led Malaysia’s coalition governments since independence in 1957 and Najib’s office also warned of the political damage the divisive scandal could cause.
