When the 1MDB issue first surfaced, Musa Hitam was one of those who publicly urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to go on leave to facilitate investigations.

"Around a week after that, in a phone conversation, Najib somewhat teased me by saying, 'I am still not on leave'," said the former deputy prime minister.

Musa recalled this in his book, 'Frankly Speaking', which was launched in Kuala Lumpur this evening.

According to Musa, the prime minister appeared as being confident and in control of the matter.

“Indeed, he expressed confidence that he would overcome the crisis. Najib, I assume, is fully aware of the risks he is taking.

"This includes all the consequences to his own political career as well as the country's well-being," he added.

The 1MDB issue erupted following damning reports in the Wall Street Journal and whistleblower website Sarawak Report last year.

Since then, the nation had witnessed numerous twists and turns in the saga.

The latest being the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) initiating legal proceedings to seize assets which it claimed were procured with funds misappropriated from the fund.

It also named a "Malaysian Official 1" of having profited from the firm, and the opposition pointed the finger at the prime minister.

Najib has denied abusing public funds for personal gain and blamed such allegations on those conspiring to topple him from power.

Attorney-General Mohamad Apandi Ali had also cleared the prime minister of any wrongdoing.