KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — The list of local banks that issued loans to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) cannot be disclosed as such information is “confidential”, the Finance Ministry told Parliament today.

In a reply to Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali, the ministry also said it could not divulge information on 1MDB’s bank accounts as such banking details were confidential by law.

“All information relating to the borrowing at banking institutions are subject to confidentiality under the Central Bank of Malaysia Act 2009.

“As such, the government cannot give specific information regarding a borrower’s account or the banking institutions under the supervision of BNM,” the ministry said in its written reply, referring to Bank Negara Malaysia by its acronym.

Earlier today, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad told 1MDB and Putrajaya to stop claiming a need for secrecy in their refusal to provide documentary evidence to refute his allegations of impropriety in the firm’s dealings.

1MDB is currently under investigation by at least three federal agencies including the Auditor-General, the Public Accounts Committee and Bank Negara Malaysia.