BATU PAHAT: The USD$700million donation (RM2.6billion) from the middle east which had been deposited to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on behalf of Umno and Barisan Nasional was given to recognise Malaysia's commitment in anti-terrorism efforts and its success as a multi-racial country to uphold the teachings of Islam under 'sunnah wal jamaah' (way of life and beliefs of the Prophet Muhammad).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that he had bear witness to when the donor's financial officers agreed to give the donation, and the latter had told him the reasons why they wanted to give the donation.
He said Malaysia was not the only Muslim country which received the donation from the family who were from a middle eastern country, which Zahid did not want to reveal.
"I confirm that I saw the document, and I met with the chief investment officer and financial trustee of the family whom I need not disclose. I asked them why are you giving the USD$700million to Malaysia? He told me: 'Your excellency, Malaysia is not the only country that we are channelling our donation.'
“Many other Muslim countries and Muslim-friendly countries receive the donation.”
"I asked them why must you help Umno and Barisan Nasional? He said because Malaysia was very committed in the anti-terrorism operations. It was clear as Malaysia has special laws, POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act), Penal Code and SOSMA (Security Offences (Special Offences) Act), and because we were wasatiyah (moderate).
“As a Muslim country, that country (which donated) was giving its thanks to the leadership shown by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak," said Zahid in a speech when opening the Sri Gading Umno division meeting at Dewan Orang Ramai Parit Raja, near here today.
Zahid, who is Umno vice-president said he had asked further about the reasons behind the donation and they told him that it was due to Malaysia's upholding of the practices of 'sunnah al wal jamaah' or the way of life and beliefs as practiced by Prophet Muhammad.
He said the donation was also to recognise Malaysia's commitment to uphold the teachings if Islam in a multi-racial and multiracial country.
"Malaysia, as a multi-racial, multi-language and multi-cultural country has been recognised by other Muslims countries, especially that particular country. It was recognition for upholding the teachings under sunnah al wal jamaah," he said.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had found that the USD$700million (RM2.6 billion) deposited in Najib's account had came from a donor, and not from 1Malaysia Development Bhd, as had been previously alleged.