Muhyiddin Yassin has criticised Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak over his reaction to the US Department of Justice’s civil suits in relation to 1MDB funds.

Apart from questioning the logic of the response, he also asked if Najib considered the defence of those accused of stealing from the nation’s coffers to be more important than the people who would be burdened with the loss of billions of ringgit.

He was responding to Najib who said that those implicated, which included his stepson Riza Aziz and a businessman close to his family Jho Low, had the right to defend themselves.

The premier also cautioned against making assumptions before the legal process is concluded.

Muhyiddin said that a prime minister who is responsible and with integrity would have expressed shock over the allegations, and viewed the US’ action in a serious manner.

Apart from this, the axed deputy premier said a high-profile delegation should have been dispatched to the US to obtain detailed information, an independent tribunal be formed to investigate, and the prosecution process initiated against those implicated.

“This is because a large amount of money belonging to the Malaysian people is (allegedly) found to be missing and (allegedly) embezzled by those named (in the documents)," he added.

Muhyiddin (photo) urged the people to rise to demand that those responsible be punished, but stressed on doing so within the confines of the law.

“Do we hope to continue believing in the Malaysian prime minister?

“His actions so far are only to protect himself, and not the interests of Malaysians,” he added in a Facebook post.

Muhyiddin said he deliberately took his time to respond in order to observe the “antics” of government leaders, including the prime minister and attorney-general.

“If 1MDB and the Malaysian government want to protect the wealth of the people, then this shocking revelation should drive them to take immediate legal action against ‘Malaysian Official 1', Riza, Low and others mentioned in the documents.

“I challenge the prime minister who is also finance minister to take the necessary follow-up action. I am greatly disappointed with the pathetic denial attitude displayed by him and his minions,” he added.

Muhyiddin also claimed that the DOJ suits had vindicated him over his stand concerning 1MDB, which led to his dismissal exactly a year ago.

“With this revelation that cannot be concealed by anyone, the government under Najib has betrayed Malaysians and should suffer the consequences of this serious wrongdoing.

“This is not only an embarrassing case, but even from a moral viewpoint, Najib has no other choice but to resign with immediate effect,” he said.