Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that the RM2.6 billion donation to his boss Najib Abdul Razak is acknowledgement for Malaysia's efforts in combating terrorism.

He said the money was meant to ensure that Umno and BN continued to rule the country.

"When I asked (the donor's representatives) why helped Umno [...] they said because Malaysia is very committed to combating terrorism.

"Malaysia has the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota), the Penal Code, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) because we don't want terrorists," he told delegates at the Sri Gading Umno division meet today.

He said he other reason behind the donation was because Malaysia was a Sunni country which practiced the "true tenets of Islam".

Zahid's claims corroborates Kuantan Umno division chief Wan Adnan Wan Mamat's remarks on Aug 16 that the donations was a token of appreciation for Malaysia's fight against the Islamic State terrorists.

'They don't want contracts'

Earlier, Sri Gading Umno chief Abdul Aziz Kaprawi also said that the donation was meant to help stave off the "Jewish backed" DAP threat in the last elections.

Najib's critics have repeatedly questioned whether the RM2.6 billion was indeed a donation.

They also demanded to know whether Najib had compromised the country's security by accepting such a 'donation' from foreigners.

However according to Zahid in his speech later at the Sekijang Umno division meeting, there were no strings attached to the donation.

"They don't want contracts from Malaysia. They just want to help," he said.