Leaders from across Malaysia's political spectrum have joined forces to call for the removal of scandal-hit Prime Minister Najib Razak, in a sharp escalation of a festering corruption crisis.

Key points: High-profile Malaysians call from PM Najib to be ousted

High-profile Malaysians call from PM Najib to be ousted Criticisms include 1MDB scandal and free speech crackdown

Criticisms include 1MDB scandal and free speech crackdown PM dismisses calls as 'desperation'

"We call upon all Malaysians, irrespective of race, religion, political situation, creed or parties, young and old, to join us in saving Malaysia from the government headed by Najib Razak," read a joint statement endorsed by heavyweights from the ruling party, opposition, and civil-society groups.

The alliance brought together previously bitter political foes and was led by 90-year-old former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who has spearheaded calls to remove Mr Najib over allegations of corruption and misrule.

"We must rid ourselves of Najib as prime minister," Mr Mahathir told a press conference.

The call is the biggest challenge yet to Mr Najib and gives voice to a growing sense of public disgust with his tenure.

Mr Najib, 62, has been under fire for a year over allegations that as much as $1.4 billion was deposited into his personal bank account.

The Government now claims it was a gift from the Saudi royal family, most of which was returned.

The Saudis are yet to officially confirm that claim, which is broadly ridiculed in Malaysia as far-fetched.

Reports have also emerged of the luxurious lifestyles, lavish spending and jet-set travel arrangements of his family.

Even before the corruption allegations emerged, he had faced mounting criticism for eroding civil liberties, allowing multi-racial Malaysia's ethnic divisions to widen, and poor economic stewardship.

The Prime Minister denies wrongdoing, saying the corruption accusations are part of an unspecified political conspiracy.

Responding to the fresh call for his removal, a spokesman for Mr Najib said it revealed "political opportunism and desperation" by Mr Mahathir and others, and that only elections could change the leadership.

'Badly tarnished Malaysia'

Mr Najib has curbed investigations into the scandals and purged his ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) of critics, essentially shutting off internal party challenges.

Whistleblowers have been arrested, while media outlets reporting on the allegations have been muzzled, raising concerns over rights and freedom speech.

"Today Malaysia is badly tarnished," the joint statement said, calling for political reforms.

Najib Razak has faced mounting public criticism over the 1MDB scandal. ( AFP: Mohd Rasfan, file photo )

Those present included former deputy premier Muhyiddin Yassin, whom Mr Najib sacked last year after he urged a probe into the funding questions.

They also included top leaders of Malaysia's opposition parties and of an electoral-reform movement that staged huge demonstrations last year over the scandals.

Critics say perhaps billion of dollars were skimmed from state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) in complex overseas transactions.

1MDB, established in 2009 by the Prime Minister, denies wrongdoing.

But US authorities are reportedly looking into 1MDB-related fund flows, while Swiss, British, Singaporean and Hong Kong authorities also are scrutinising them.

Swiss authorities said recently up to $5.4 billion may have been stolen from Malaysian state firms and that they were investigating possible fraud and money-laundering.

AFP

