Malaysia’s beleaguered prime minister faces a crucial test as his political party’s general assembly kicked off on Tuesday with criticism mounting over corruption allegations and an unexplained $700m payment that landed in his private bank account.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has been under fire since the “donation” came to light, along with billions of dollars in debt built up by state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The scandals have transfixed Malaysians for months.

Despite a profusion of domestic and international investigations – including by the FBI and Hong Kong police – there have been few answers.

The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing at 1MDB. He insists the $700m payment – originating from the Middle East and first reported in July – is legitimate.

… “Najib is trying to survive and I think he will survive for quite some time,” said Oh Ei Sun, a fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, who once worked in Najib’s office. “There’s no [party] election, but he does not want to risk any sabotage or people making sudden statements.”