Penang Gerakan neither confirmed nor denied that the party was a beneficiary of the RM2.6 billion donation that was deposited into Prime Minister Najib Razak’s private bank accounts.

The money, said to be from a generous donor who wished to remain anonymous, was reportedly deposited before the 2013 national polls.

Asked about the matter at a press conference today, Penang Gerakan chairman Teng Chang Yeow shot back: “Are you making an accusation?

“Investigations are on-going, let investigations be conducted, that’s all,” he told reporters after attending the state’s delegates meeting in George Town today.

Asked if this meant Gerakan was neither confirming nor denying that it was a beneficiary of the money, Teng said “don’t put words into my mouth, next question”.

Teng was asked the question as Umno Seri Gading chief Aziz Kaprawi was reported in the media as saying that the RM2.6 billion in Najib’s bank accounts was used to fight the DAP, which he alleged was funded by the Jews.

As DAP’s stronghold in Penang, the state saw a flurry of well-funded activities like daily dinners and programmes in April 2013, a month leading up to the national polls in May.

Prominent businessman Low Taek Jho ( photo ), who is linked to alleged financial scandals involving Najib’s 1Malaysia Development Berhad, was present in Penang then.

Low, popularly known as Jho Low, also made appearances when the 1Malaysia Welfare Club held charitable activities and handed out donations to NGOs and press clubs in Penang.

A concert by famous Korean performer Psy during that year’s second day of the Chinese New Year also fueled speculation that the money to fund the performance came from a generous donor.

However, despite the massive campaigning by BN in Penang, Gerakan, MCA and MIC failed to capture any seat.

Umno Penang managed to capture 10 seats, one less than it did in 2008, and only three parliamentary seats out of 13, in Malay populated areas like Balik Pulau, Kepala Batas and Tasek Gelugor.

Najib, who is also BN and Umno chairperson, continues to fight intense local and global criticism for not being able to account for the RM2.6 billion.