The following are statements and Facebook postings by top Malaysian leaders on the money-trail scandal involving Prime Minister Najib Razak,

who is also president of Umno, the lead party in Malaysia's ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER AND UMNO VICE-PRESIDENT AHMAD ZAHID HAMIDI

"Allegations and insinuations are being made against a serving Malaysian prime minister. This is irresponsible and reckless journalism and bordering on criminal offences.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Royal Malaysian Police will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against those who attempt to harm Malaysia's economy and our democratic process."

DEFENCE MINISTER AND UMNO VICE-PRESIDENT HISHAMMUDDIN HUSSEIN

"Do not act recklessly and continue to condemn the Prime Minister, for the allegations were based on unverified media reports.

"I urge the parties that made the allegations to come forward and provide solid evidence.

This is important because the allegation not only involves the integrity and dignity of the PM, but also the image of the Malaysian government to the world."

RURAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER SHAFIE APDAL

"Datuk Seri Najib needs to take legal action if these allegations are not true so that the government is not seen in a bad light in the eyes of the public and international community.

"The investigators are sure to reveal the truth and at the same time restore the people's trust in the government."

YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTER AND UMNO YOUTH WING CHIEF KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN

"Anyone can make accusations and disclosures, but if there is no concrete evidence, we cannot accept such disclosures.

"In this case, I don't see any concrete proof, they say there are documents but no documents have been submitted until now."

MP SHAHRIR ABDUL SAMAD, CHIEF OF BARISAN NASIONAL'S BACKBENCHERS CLUB

"We have to be patient and trust the country's institutions to do their work. If we keep believing in foreign media and outsiders' allegations, then it will be difficult for us."

JOHOR CROWN PRINCE, TUNKU ISMAIL SULTAN IBRAHIM

"Corruption is a serious crime. Do you know what is the punishment for committing it?

"Nothing... if you are a member of certain organisations.

"Being corrupted is a very bad trait. Being silent and doing nothing about it, however, is even worse.

"I would prefer even to fail with honour, than to win by cheating."