Riyadh: Gave $681 million to Malaysia PM as donation

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said the $681 million banked into the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s bank accounts was a “genuine donation”.

Mr Najib’s office said the confirmation on Friday by Adel Al-Jubeir vindicates Mr Najib against allegations that the money was siphoned from heavily indebted state investment fund 1MDB.

Mr Al-Jubeir said Saudi authorities were aware of the donation, and that it was given without any strings attached.

Malaysia’s foreign ministry provided a video clip of Mr Al-Jubeir’s comments, made on Friday to Malaysian reporters in Istanbul after a meeting with Mr Najib.

Mr Najib has been battling allegations that the money was funnelled from 1MDB into his accounts. He was cleared in January by the attorney-general.