Najib: I refused to let Dr M rule by proxy

PM says campaign of gutter tactics against him began after he turned down ex-PM's personal demands

KUALA LUMPUR: The prime minister, Najib Razak, has promised to use “the full force of the law” against what he described as “gutter tactics – in some cases, criminal tactics” to overthrow the government.

In a press statement issued late last night, he directly accused former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad “working hand in glove with foreign nationls” of being behind the “latest lie” about billions in funds linked to 1MDB being paid into two bank accounts bearing his name.

“Let me be very clear: I have never taken funds for personal gain as alleged by my political opponents – whether from 1MDB, SRC International or other entities, as these companies have confirmed,” he declared in the statement, issued past 11pm.

The false allegations against him were part of a “concerted political campaign to topple a democratically elected Prime Minister”.

Najib said the campagin against him in recent months, using various allegations “all unsubstantiated and many simply outrageous” had begun when he refused to implement Mahathir’s personal demands.

He said he had refused, acting in the belief that it was not right for Malaysia to be ruled by proxy.

He said Dr Mahathir had then created a crisis by recklessly claiming that RM42 billion was missing from 1Malaysia Development Bhd, when in fact these were audited debts backed by RM51 billion audited assets.

Najib went on to say that at no point have those making these allegations offered any evidence, but had been based on leaked documents and unnamed investigators. “Not once has the source of these documents ever been shown, neither have the documents themselves been provided for verification by lawful authorities,” he said.

Those who continued to mount these attacks should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. “These gutter tactics – in some cases criminal tactics – to overthrow the government will fail. Where appropriate, they will be met with the full force of the law,” he added.