However, he said no party should pre-empt police investigations by issuing statements of condemnation and criticism.

“He has to answer and be charged in court if it is true (that the seized items were worth up to) RM1 billion belong to him.

“But we cannot pre-empt the investigation by making a statement condemning anyone. Because what we know is the value of the items, we do not know how, who owns it, and so forth,” he said after an afternoon tea and friendly gathering with Umno members here today.

Khairy said after the case had been brought to court and there was prosecution and judgment, then only Umno could make a stand.

But for the time being, he said, let the police complete the investigation according to the law.

He promised that Umno would not protect anyone found guilty of committing an offence.