KUALA LUMPUR: Various probes have yielded no evidence that money was stolen from 1Malaysia Development Berhad, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali said while the government questioned the US Department of Justice (DOJ) over its latest filing of lawsuits to recover assets allegedly embezzled from 1MDB.
In a statement here yesterday, the AG said: “There has been no evidence from any investigation conducted by law enforcement agencies in various jurisdictions showing misappropriation of money from 1MDB, and there have been no criminal charges against any individuals for misappropriation of funds from 1MDB.”
He took note that this second filing “comes on the anniversary of the first, and appears to be a repeat of it”.
He expressed frustration that “yet again the AG Chambers was not informed or alerted by DOJ of its action”.
Mohamed Apandi said 1MDB had been subjected to multiple investigations within Malaysia, including by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Auditor-General and the bipartisan parliamentary Public Accounts Committee.
“After review, we found that no crime was committed,” he said, adding that the Malaysian police were still conducting an investigation concerning 1MDB.
Mohamed Apandi also said: “We would like to express strong concerns at the insinuations that have been made against the Prime Minister of criminal wrongdoing. At no point in the civil claims is the prime minister named as a defendant or has been alleged to have committed any criminal wrongdoing.”
He said the AG Chambers had yet to receive any request from DOJ to obtain any information or evidence.
“However, we would welcome such a request in line with our commitment to international cooperation and the fight against money laundering.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s press secretary, Datuk Seri Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad, said the government is concerned that DOJ failed to seek its cooperation or that of 1MDB over the latest lawsuits.
He said the government was also concerned by the “unnecessary and gratuitous naming of certain matters and individuals that are only relevant to domestic political manipulation and interference”.
‘This suggests a motivation that goes beyond the objective of seizing assets,” he said in a statement.
Tengku Sariffuddin said the government will fully cooperate with any lawful investigation of Malaysian companies or citizens in accordance with international protocols.
“There have been numerous and extensive investigations by Malaysian authorities into 1MDB, including by independent and bi-partisan bodies such as the Public Accounts Committee, and no crime was found.
He said that 1MDB was still the subject of an investigation by the Malaysian police, and if there is evidence of wrongdoing, Malaysia will not hesitate to take action. Until then, unproven allegations should not be taken as facts.”
He took note of DOJ’s own press release, which states that “A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards judgment in favour of the US”.
Tengku Sariffuddin said Malaysia stands firm in its support of transparency and good governance, including ensuring that “accusations have a basis in fact, rather than smears briefed by political opponents”.
He added: “We are confident that justice will take its course and Malaysia will continue to cooperate with all willing international agencies.
“As the prime minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception.” — Bernama