An Umno division leader has claimed that the RM2.6 billion deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank account originated from Saudi Arabia.

"It was an appreciation to Malaysia for championing Islam and for practising Sunni Islam (Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah)," Kuantan Umno division chief Wan Adnan Wan Mamat was quoted as saying in a Sinar Harian report today.

The report added that the money was also a sign of appreciation for Malaysia's efforts in combating the Islamic State (IS).

Wan Adnan said this was told to 146 Umno division leaders in a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak last Wednesday.

"Not only Malaysia received the donation from Saudi Arabia, two or three more countries also received them including the Muslim community in the Philippines and (Southern) Thailand, he was quoted as saying.

Wan Adnan had said this during the opening of the Kuantan Umno division's wings annual general assembly yesterday.

Wan Adnan added that Najib had explained the money went directly into his own account as the donation from Saudi Arabia was to Najib and not to Umno.

He added that all Umno division leaders were satisfied by this explanation and did not want the matter to be prolonged.

Wan Adnan, when contacted by Malaysiakini today about his explanation, said to refer back to his speech.

In a separate report by The Star Online , Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor ( photo ) said he and the Umno treasurer were aware about the RM2.6 billion transaction.

"We have repeatedly explained this issue. As the secretary-general, I am aware of it and so is the party treasurer," he was quoted as saying when officiating the Setiawanga Umno division meeting today.