Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi slammed Barisan Nasional (BN) party leaders for creating provocations which could cause the public to question the credibility of enforcement agencies in carrying out their duties relating to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue.

He said provocative statements should not be made to depict enforcement agencies as not taking immediate action to complete the investigations and start early prosecution.

"The integrity of the statement by the Rulers' Council should not be misused as an attempt to save the party and government," he said in a media statement which was distributed to Malaysian journalists covering his working visit in Washington DC, US, yesterday.

He said (it was due to) the desire for revenge and to make the situation worse, was making losers of everyone.

On Oct 6, the Malay Rulers' Council had decreed that an investigation into the 1MDB be immediately completed. Several parties, including former Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, had expressed their views concerning this decree.

Ahmad Zahid said the statement by the Rulers' Council should not be used as an excuse to instigate the public to question the credibility of the agencies to take rational action in accordance with the law.

"As leaders who are still respected for whatever key position in the party, whatever action is taken should reflect efforts towards unity in these difficult times faced by Umno, BN, and the government," said Ahmad Zahid, who is also an Umno vice-president.

He said if these leaders truly wanted to save the country and party, they should make it a priority to act wisely so that the minority voice does not take advantage to take over the government in an immoral manner even though it had not transgressed the legislative system.

"As a loyal Umno party stalwart, I believe that all problems can be resolved with commitment.

"I am confident the prime minister and the government are doing the best in ensuring the rationalisation programme - which had the support of the Cabinet - can be solved within six months as agreed," said Ahmad Zahid.

He said this same situation was also faced by previous leaders, and it was through unity that the problems were resolved wisely.

He urged the government party leaders at all levels to be open-minded, not be filled with hatred, and talk big when they themselves have their own weaknesses.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said there should be faith in department heads, especially the Attorney-General's Chambers, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and the police force to prepare the investigation and prosecution papers, according to existing laws.

"Any pressure based on sentiments and accusations should not be the basis for calls to speed up the legal process," he said.

While here, Ahmad Zahid, among others, co-signed the Homeland Security Presidential Directive No 6 (HSPD-6) with US Secretary of State John Kerry which enables Malaysia to join the waiver programme for American visas.

- Bernama