1MDB has clarified that its RM20 million donation for the refurbishment of the Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque was not a recent effort.

In a press release today, the company said the funds were pledged by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Feb 5, 2011 during a visit.

Construction works commenced in 2012 and is scheduled for completion by end-July 2015.

"The mosque will serve as a key catalyst for the planned development of Kampung Baru," said 1MDB.

The company said that the mosque redevelopment was one of its many CSR activities, involving Malaysians of all races and religions.

"1MDB regrets that various parties have resorted to using the mosque redevelopment project to serve their own agendas," said the company.

Last Friday, Najib had lamented that critics of 1MDB had not recognised the company's contributions to society, in particular Muslims, citing the RM20 million donation as an example.

This further incurred the wrath of critics, including Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar, who said Najib was demanding Muslims to ignore 1MDB's wrongdoings since it had done some good.

Mahfuz, the former PAS information chief, said this was akin to telling Muslims that they can sin first and make up for it by fulfiling religious obligations later.