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Malaysia's PM Razak brushes off calls for resignation

Thursday, 10 December 2015 10:40 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 10 December 2015 10:40 AM ]

AFP's file photo shows Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak has dismissed calls by his critics to resign over a festering funding scandal.

Najib said at the annual meeting of the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) on Thursday that he will not “surrender” to what he termed as “traitors” who are seeking his resignation.

"Even though there are traitors, and no matter how many times we are pushed to the ground, there shall be no retreat, no surrender," Najib said.

"No retreat! No surrender!" he added while receiving a standing ovation from people attending the annual meeting.

The scandal involving Malaysia’s top executive hit the headlines in early July after the US-based Wall Street Journal said in a report that $700 million had been transferred to Najib’s private accounts before the 2013 election. The paper also suggested that the money came from a state development fund.

The government said the money was political donation from a supporter in the Middle East. Najib, however, resisted demands to explain the purpose and source of money.

The revelations came as Najib was dealing with another allegation that hundreds of millions of dollars were missing from the state fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Najib and the 1MDB have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, but his critics, including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said the premier should step down and face trial.

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