Mahathir challenges Malaysian PM to 'show accounts'

Mahathir Mohamed has accused the PM of leading a lavish lifestyle. AFP file photo

A Malaysian task force has frozen six bank accounts following allegations that Prime Minister Najib Razak received nearly $700m in public funds. However it did not reveal the identities of the account holders.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's former leader Mahathir Mohamed, has called on Prime Minister Najib to show public proof that his assets are legal.

Speaking to the BBC, he accused the prime minister of having what he called a lavish lifestyle, which has been closely scrutinised in the local press.

Prime Minister Najib has previously issued a statement on social media site Facebook saying that the various allegations made against him are "unsubstantiated" and "outrageous".