KUALA LUMPUR (July 3): 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) denied a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report which alleged the state-owned company had deposited some US$700 million (RM2.65 billion) into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s bank account.

In a press statement today, 1MDB said it had never provided any funds to the Prime Minister.

“In reference to media reports published earlier today, 1MDB wishes to make clear that the company has never provided any funds to the Prime Minister. To suggest otherwise, as some media outlets have done, is highly irresponsible and a deliberate attempt to undermine the company.

“Recent revelations have raised concerns about the veracity of a number of 'leaked' documents, which certain media outlets and online blogs such as Sarawak Report have used to mislead the public and justify spurious allegations against the company and the government,” said 1MDB.

1MDB, which has been criticised by Malaysian opposition lawmakers and former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad due to its questionable ventures, claimed the leaked documents were found to be “tampered with”.

“According to press reports, these documents were found to have been tampered with, and were being used by an individual — who is currently under arrest in a foreign country — to extort and blackmail his former employer.

“We are therefore surprised that documents such as these, whose existence and authenticity have not been publicly verified, continue to be used as a basis to create new unsubstantiated allegations against 1MDB," 1MDB said.

Reuters, quoting WSJ, reported Najib had close to $700 million in deposits from troubled state fund 1MDB, wired into his personal account.

WSJ's report was based on documents from a government probe on 1MDB.

Reuters, quoting WSJ, reported there were five deposits into Najib's account and the two largest transactions, worth $620 million and $61 million, were done in March 2013, during an election campaign in Malaysia.

1MDB said in its statement that it hoped the public would wait for the outcome of investigations on the company, "before making further allegations" on the company.

The company said it was cooperating with the investigating authorities.

"1MDB is currently cooperating with a number of enquiries being conducted by lawful authorities, including the Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and Bank Negara.

“These authorities have all the relevant information, and we request all parties to await the outcome of their findings, before making further allegations and rushing to judgement,” 1MDB said.