Former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today told Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to cease all harassment of investigators looking into claims that RM2.6 billion was deposited into the prime minister's personal bank accounts.

In a statement from Sungai Buloh prison released through his lawyers, Anwar said there were indications that the country's institutions, particularly the MACC and Bank Negara were under threat.

"I urge Najib to stop all disruptions and threats against the country's investigators.

“I refer in particular to how the police have been used to arrest, question and remand MACC investigators including those involved in the probe into the RM42 million deposits through SRC International into Najib’s personal accounts at AmBank,” he said.

Likewise, Anwar said similar threats against Bank Negara were being observed.

“It is important that Bank Negara continues to be seen as an independent and professional body with integrity in the interest of the country and its economy,” he said.

He added that Bank Negara should be allowed to carry out its duties in dealing with money-laundering.

He warned if political interference is seen in Bank Negara, it will have serious adverse effects on the economy.

Both Bank Negara and MACC were part of a special task force probing the deposits into Najib’s private bank accounts.

However, the special task force had since been disbanded after attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail was sacked and replaced with Mohamed Apandi Ali.

The other two special task force members were the police and Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Anwar also urged Malaysians to unite behind this agencies.

“Malaysians must stand together and support MACC and Bank Negara to ensure these institutions are safe from political interference.

“I urge all Malaysians, MPs from all political parties, NGOs and civil society to put aside their differences and unite to save this nation from the political and economic crisis plaguing the nation,” he said.