KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Transparency International (TI) can say whatever they want about Malaysia because the country practices freedom of speech, an Umno minister said today after the anti-graft body called out Putrajaya over the lack of transparency on RM2.6 billion in donations deposited into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s private bank accounts.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz shrugged off criticism by TI chief Jose Ugaz, who claimed yesterday that Malaysia would not move forward in its fight against graft unless questions surrounding the donations were answered.

“Do we not have freedom of speech in our constitution? Let him say what he wants to say,” Nazri said at the launch of MaTiC.fm here today.

The Umno Supreme Council member also defended Najib’s absence from the 16th International Anti Corruption Conference (IACC), which was where TI made the statement about Malaysia’s stunted progress in graft-busting.

“Because of what’s happening in our country, I think it’s only fair that he isn’t present. I think that’s fair,” Nazri said.

Yesterday, minister Datuk Paul Low said he had advised Najib against appearing at the conference due to security concerns and the expected hostile reception towards the prime minister.

Low added TI had also advised Najib against showing up.

In his speech yesterday, José criticised the recent actions of the Malaysian government — made against the backdrop of the RM2.6 billion issue — including the sudden replacement of the Attorney-General, the dismantling of a taskforce probing the state-owned firm 1MDB and the arrests of anti-corruption investigators.

José also stressed that promises of reform by the government are insufficient, as the pressing need now is for answers.