The Rulers Council has to intervene over the secrecy of the auditor-general's report on 1MDB, as it is the last hope that the people have, said an opposition MP.

Kuala Terengganu Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said this is because the present government has subverted all avenues and institutions and has gained absolute power.

"The voice of the ordinary people and opposition politicians have long been suppressed and silenced with all sorts of Acts such as the Official Secrets Act (OSA), Prevention Of Terrorism Act (Pota), Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) and Sedition Act.

"The attorney-general, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief and Special Branch officers who try to carry out their duties have also been removed from office.

"The judiciary is also now doubted by the people.

"All we have left is the Rulers Council, although their powers too have become increasingly diminished," he said in a statement.

"Most people are not aware, but we have allowed absolute power to be given to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak," said the Parti Amanah Negara MP.

Yesterday several opposition leaders urged the rulers to exercise their authority to demand the auditor-general's report on 1MDB be declassified from the OSA.

This came after whistleblower website Sarawak Report began publishing what it claims are the contents of the report.

'Rulers spoke up before'

Raja Kamarul Bahrin said he agreed with former PAS leader Husam Musa's call for the Rulers Council to intervene.

He added that professor Abdul Aziz Bari has also opined the royalty have the power to request the report be tabled.

After all, said the MP, the council last October spoke up about 1MDB requesting the matter be probed speedily and any wrongdoers be punished.

"Unfortunately, the government did not respect the royal decree," he said, claiming Najib allegedly is also said to have absented himself from the last two Rulers Council meetings.

"Is Najib trying to avoid facing the Malay rulers about the 1MDB issue," he asked.

Raja Kamarul Bahrin said the exposes by Sarawak Report have gained international attention, and asked why the government is not suing its editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown for alleged slander.

This is despite the British journalist challenging the Malaysian government to do so if they deny the website's reports.

"The attitude of the Najib government is extremely curious," said Raja Kamarul Bahrin.