Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife have been banned from leaving the country. Immigration department said on its official Facebook page that Najib and his wife were blacklisted from leaving Malaysia.

Confirming the ban, Razak said in a tweet that Malaysian Immigration Department informed him that they will not allow him and his family to go overseas. Najib said he respect the directive and will remain with his family in the country. Earlier this week, Mr Najib's long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition suffered a shock electoral defeat.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he will investigate a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), set up by Najib. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with 1MDB.