The US Department of Justice's (DOJ) pursuit of 1MDB assets was part of a conspiracy to meddle in Malaysia's affairs because the country had a Muslim-led government, said Umno information chief Annuar Musa.

"With the expectation that the 14th general election to be called this August, September or October, they, or specifically the DOJ are collaborating with those seeking power to once again launch a preemptive strike to change the regime through a secret, careful and effective planning.

"They don't need the truth, the burden of proof and need not follow the rule of law of the target country.

"It is sufficient to make a complaint, accusations, insinuation and create the perception of instability in the country," he said in a statement.