The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the allegation made by The Wall Street Journal that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak received funds from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) is completely false.

Najib's press secretary Datuk Seri Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad said the Prime Minister has consistently maintained that the funds were a donation from the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia.

He also said that the matter has been verified by multiple lawful authorities, after exhaustive investigations.

"Most recently by the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, who confirmed that it was a genuine donation, nothing was expected in return, and Saudi Arabia considers the matter closed.‎

"The allegation that the funds were from 1MDB is completely false," said Tengku Sariffuddin in the statement.

He described the allegation as a lie used by former premier Tun Mahathir Mohamad to try unseat a democratically-elected government, in which until now has been unsuccessful.

"He (Dr Mahathir) placed saving the political career of his son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, above the national interest," he added.