A RM2.6 billion donation from the Middle-East will not influence Malaysia, as countries in that region are not as strong as the United States, said Umno supreme council member Nazri Abdul Aziz.

"The (Middle-Eastern) country donated to us (Umno) because they are a friendly nation that is not strong. (However), the US can influence us.

"It's like a cousin who wants to see a party win the general elections.

“There are no laws regarding contributions but we must be careful so that there are no elements of graft," he told reporters after an event at Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur today.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) revealed on Aug 5 that the RM2.6 billion deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's ( photo ) account was a donation from the Middle East.

The MACC however has not disclosed the source of the donation, but has questioned the donor and plans to quiz Najib as well.

Nazri said the accusations against Najib were unfair, as political contributions are not illegal.

"Giving donations is not illegal if we declare it. I support if we have a law in which whoever donates to the party must register their name," he said.

The tourism minister said the deposit was actually a rather transparent transaction.

"Money going into the prime minister's accounts is more transparent than if he had been given cash," he added.

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