KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today claimed that he was told by the prime minister that the RM2.6 billion “donation” was deposited into the latter’s personal bank account at the donor’s behest.

The former deputy prime minister was quoted in a report by news portal Malaysiakini as claiming that this was the answer given by Datuk Seri Najib Razak when asked why the money was put into his account.

“Do i believe it? Bila orang bagitau tu percaya je la (When someone tells you something, just believe it),” Muhyiddin reportedly said when opening the Pagoh Umno division annual general meetings for the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings.

Muhyiddin, who is Umno deputy president, was removed from Cabinet in a shock reshuffle by Najib last week ostenisbly for openly questioning the prime minister’s handling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy.

Najib has been accused of receiving some US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) in his personal accounts.

The allegation first arose in a Wall Street Journal article that claimed the amount was channelled from 1MDB into Najib’s bank accounts.

On Monday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said in a statement that the funds had come from donors and not from 1MDB as claimed.

It did not, however, reveal the identities of the donors or the purpose of the donation, triggering a flurry of protests from opposition lawmakers who demanded that the details be publicly disclosed.

Yesterday, the agency said it has identified and interviewed the donors but could not reveal their identities.

It also said that Najib will be called in to explain the donation.