Malaysia is a country with laws and those who break them will be punished, said former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

"If you steal money, you get caught, steal chickens, you get caught. All those who do bad will get caught. They cannot be let off," he said to a resounding applause.

Similarly, he said whoever is found guilty with regard to 1MBD based on the investigations carried out, the person must face the music.

"MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) has investigated, police have investigated, the attorney-general is supposed to have completed (the investigation on 1MDB).

"If all have completed their investigations, let us see who is the wrongdoer.

"If there is a wrongdoer, tell us... If the person is wrong, there must be punishment and imprisonment," he added.

He also stressed he would continue voicing the truth as long as he has the power to do so.

Muhyiddin, who is Umno deputy president, was speaking during a function with the Chinese community in Pagoh.

The Pagoh lawmaker was dropped as deputy premier in late July due to his criticism on 1MDB, which is the brainchild of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

1MDB is currently deep in debt, with the figure estimated to be as high as US$42 billion.

Najib has promised to settle the debts within six months, a promise he has made since July.

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