Embattled Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Tuesday replaced his deputy premier and sacked his attorney general amid a furore over a mushrooming scandal that is threatening his hold on office.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who has been critical of Najib's handling of the scandal involving state-owned development company 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was replaced, Bernama news agency reported.

It said the premier also terminated Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail, who was involved in investigations into corruption allegations related to the Najib-linked company. The prime minister has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.