Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed and Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan have been invited to speak on a forum regarding 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) debt, alongside opposition politicians.

The group National Oversight and Whistleblowers (NOW), which is hosting the forum, said the invitations have already been sent out yesterday, and Mahathir’s office has acknowledged receiving the letter.

"Following debates in parliament, comments in the media, and exposé of the related documents and conflicting statements from the parties involved, NOW has taken the initiative to hold a forum to seek an open clarification so that the people can understand the issues afflicting 1MDB,” said NOW director Akmal Nasir today.

The forum is open to the public, and will be held on Nov 19 at The Club @ Bukit Utama, Petaling Jaya from 8.30pm to 11pm.

Also invited to speak are 1MDB chief executive officer Hazem Abd Rahman and Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, in addition to Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, who is NOW's founder.

On another matter, Akmal announced that NOW is holding a fundraising campaign with the aim of raising RM100,000 to fund the group’s activities.

This is to provide anonymous whistleblowers a place to come forward with confidential information to help expose corruption and abuse of power, and for the group to investigate the claims, he said.

An annual fundraising dinner will be held on Dec 7 in Klang in conjunction with the campaign, with ticket prices starting at RM100 per person.

"NOW does not receive public funding and have always been sustained on donations from the general public.

"When NOW was launched in late 2012, the centre received approximately RM120,000 from concerned citizens and passionate supporters alike.

"This money has funded us to run many programmes and uncover many scandals until now," he said.

Related stories

Dr M: Don't use BR1M to be popular

Minister: Land where Malays not welcomed

Umno man who punched deputy minister let off?

Reps cry foul over housing quota for BN parties

'If Umno loses, Malays may never rule again'

Finally KJ has found the right word - 'stupid'

Shocking! Ex-CJ who's obtuse on the constitution

Will the judiciary disown ex-CJ Abdul Hamid?