PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The special task force set up to investigate allegations levelled at 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) should be allowed to submit its results and findings before anyone - including Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin - comments about the issue, said the Prime Minister's Office on Monday.

"The investigation is ongoing and we should give those involved space to perform their duties.

"Therefore, all parties - especially those from the Government including Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin - should wait for the findings of the investigation to be released.

The fund has debts of more than US$11 billion (S$15 billion), and is being investigated by authorities for financial mismanagement and graft. The state-owned firm's advisory board is chaired by Prime Minister Najib Razak.

"It would be wise not to make statements that could cloud the people's perception of the country's leaders, the Government and Umno," the office said in a press statement. "The people's support for the Government and the party will be eroded if we fight among ourselves."

The statement came after Muhyiddin's speech on Sunday in which he suggested that Najib personally explain issues around 1MDB to the public.

"I want to give you a stern warning that if nothing is done now to manage these issues, Barisan will lose," Muhyiddin said at an event.

Barisan Nasional, or National Front, is the ruling coalition, of which Umno is the main component.

Umno, which represents the majority ethnic Malay community, has led Malaysia's coalition governments since independence in 1957 and Najib's office also warned of the political damage the divisive scandal could cause.

Najib is also finance minister and 1MDB is owned by the finance ministry.