Debate is ensuing over whether Prime Minister Najib Razak should take a leave of absence, pending investigations of allegations in a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report that nearly US$700 million (S$945 million) from state investment vehicle 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) had been transferred into his personal accounts.

The Prime Minister has denied taking any money from 1MDB or any other entity for personal gain, and yesterday said he would strive to seek a truthful path to rebut all allegations against his leadership.

“I did not betray the people. I will find ways to uphold the truth. Be calm, the truth will prevail,” Mr Najib said last night.

In a show of support earlier yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the allegations did not warrant Mr Najib taking a break, as the Prime Minister had not been charged with any crime.

… However, Dr Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told TODAY that Mr Najib is unlikely to take a leave of absence.

“It is simply not his style to relinquish power — albeit temporarily — which he fought for all his adult life,” said Dr Oh.

“There are two main things that Najib must do now. One is to firmly come out to categorically clarify the WSJ allegations, and the other is to consolidate his UMNO power base by whatever means necessary,” he added.