The global oil exploration firm PetroSaudi embroiled in the 1MDB scandal said it is considering legal options over emails purportedly leaked by whistleblower website Sarawak Report .

The Saudi-based oil exploration and services company in a statement today said it “dismissed as inaccurate online criticisms” of its controversial joint venture with 1MDB. 

However it did not specifically mention Sarawak Report's series of exposes nor those responsible for disclosing the emails.

Sarawak Report ’s expose on Feb 28 titled ‘ Heist of the century ’ produced copies of email exchanges that it said shows PetroSaudi was allegedly a front to transfer huge sums to businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low.

PetroSaudi decried “selective” extracts of the emails were distorting the situation, but the statement did not dismiss the veracity of the said emails.

"Some of those reports appear to be based on selective and distorted extracts of copies of internal company emails and documents, the originals of which we believe to have been obtained unlawfully and in some cases altered.

“We are actively considering our legal options," said the firm in a brief statement.

PetroSaudi has lodged a police report against Sarawak Report , managed by Clare Rewcastle Brown, sister-in-law to former UK prime minister Gordon Brown.

Brown in an interview with Malaysiakini on March 3 stands by the authenticity of the emails and documents she had procured, and said the company’s police reports lend credence to this.

1MDB deal a 'win win'

While critics such as DAP parliamentarian Tony Pua ( below ) has called the RM 2.5 billion joint venture agreement with PetroSaudi a " scam ", the Saudi firm said the deal was a “win-win” for both partners.

"In fact the joint venture, which ended in 2012, was a 'win-win' for Malaysia and PetroSaudi.

 

“The information relating to the joint venture is publicly available in the audited accounts of 1MDB at the Malaysian Companies Commission.

 

“Unfair or false attacks on investors and partners of Malaysia only serve to damage the country,” said PetroSaudi.

 

“We will not be deterred by inaccurate or malicious stories that have circulated online,” it added.