If the money was obtained through 'halal' means, he says, Najib has nothing to fear.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's move to prevent investigations into the RM2.6 billion issue proves the sum was obtained through illegal means, claimed Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"If the money was obtained through 'halal' (permissible by Islam) means, Najib does not need to fear if the investigations continue," said the former premier in a blog post addressed to Umno members.

Mahathir is currently being investigated for criminal defamation over his remarks against the prime minister during Bersih 4.

However, it appears this has not deterred the 90-year-old former Umno president from continuing his verbal battering of Najib, whom he claims would ruin the nation and cause the defeat of BN in the next election.

Mahathir said Najib's administration has caused the value of the Ringgit to fall, prices of goods to rise, high inflation and drop in share prices.

"Many are now bankrupt. The burden is greater with GST, which has caused the prices of goods and services to increase further," he added.

The former premier said Malaysians with children studying overseas are also in a dilemma over the weakening Ringgit.

Mahathir also accused the Najib administration of disregarding development.

"A sum of RM42 billion is borrowed, unwisely invested and billions can no longer be traced.

"What is known is Najib had RM2.6 billion in his bank accounts. Nobody knows where the money has been transferred to now.

"When an investigation was carried out by a government body, Najib dissolved it," he said.

Mahathir also claimed the people "reject and despise" Najib as the prime minister and cannot accept his argument that the RM2.6 billion was political donation from a Middle Eastern source.

Najib has denied using public funds for political gains.

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