KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Khairy Jamaluddin insisted today Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak does not have to take a leave of absence from official duties pending an investigation into a shocking money trail of nearly US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) purportedly into his personal bank accounts.

The youth and sports minister added that such absence was unnecessary as the prime minister has yet to be charged with any crime.

“The investigation is already on-going so I think it’s best that we allow it to take place and not make any premature conclusions,” Khairy told reporters during a Barisan Nasional Youth break-of-fast event here this evening.

On Friday, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that 1MDB investigators have discovered five separate deposits from two sources that were allegedly made into Najib’s accounts, citing government documents that it claimed to have viewed.

According to the US daily, the largest two transactions were for US$621 million (RM2.3 billion) and US$61 million allegedly made in March 2013, shortly before the tumultuous Election 2013 in May.

A further transfer of RM42 million, purportedly made into Najib’s account at the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015, is believed to have come from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB that was in 2012 parked under the Finance Ministry that Najib heads, WSJ said.

The exposé led to immediate calls for a thorough investigation by opposition leaders, who also demanded that Najib be relieved from his duty until the probe is over.

Khairy, however, cited precedents where government leaders were only asked to go on leave after the authorities found concrete basis for criminal charges.

“He has not been found guilty of anything yet… so the question of him having to go on leave does not arise,” the Umno Youth chief said.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail announced Saturday a special task force is currently investigating the alleged money trail that involves several companies that purportedly channelled the funds to Najib’s bank accounts, including SRC International, Ihsan Perdana Sdn Bhd and Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd.