Politics

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib sacks deputy amid scandal fallout

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on April 3, 2014 in Perth, Australia
Richard Wainwright | Getty Images

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak sacked his deputy in a cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday after Muhyiddin Yassin had called on his leader to explain a growing graft scandal at debt-laden state investment fund 1MDB.

Muhyiddin had said at the weekend the ruling coalition could lose the next election if Najib and others did not better manage issues stemming from the scandal at 1Malaysia Development Bhd., which has debts of more than $11 billion.

Read More 'Only a 1MDB smoking gun can topple Najib'

Muhyiddin has been replaced by home minister Zahid Hamidi, a right wing politician well liked by members of the United Malays National Organisation party, which has led Malaysian coalition governments since independence in 1957.

Malaysia PM will remain in office: Professor
VIDEO4:0304:03
Malaysia PM will remain in office: Professor