Islamic scholars in Malaysia are too busy condemning those who do not share their views on Islam, instead of condemning obvious wrong like corruption, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said.

He said this included the silence on the 1MDB scandal.

"Religious scholars label those who don't share their views as munafik (hypocrites), liberal, traitors, khadam (errand boys) and other insults...

"They should instead rally the rakyat against corruption. We thirst for ulama like these, not just ulama who are busy labelling others as deviant," he said in a statement today.

He said the people needed scholars like Abdul Rahman Limbong, who fought against taxation by the colonials in Terengganu.

He also cited Iran's Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani who rallied the people to topple a dictator who was living a high life while his people languished in poverty.

In contrast, he said, Malaysian religious scholars did not dare to go against rulers or government, even if they did wrong.

In July, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed lawsuits to seize more than US$1 billion worth of assets it believes was purchased using funds stolen from 1MDB.

Four named as beneficiaries of the allegedly stolen funds include Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's step son Riza Aziz.

The DOJ also said that a high-ranking Malaysian official, who is related to Riza, received US$731 million of the allegedly embezzled proceeds.

Najib has denied any wrongdoing, while members of the cabinet said those found guilty of the allegations will face action.