1MDB probe: Police record statements from more than 25 people

The police have recorded statements from more than 25 people in their investigation with regard to the government investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said those who had given statements include former 1MDB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, who did so last month.

He also said that the first phase of the investigation, to scrutinise documents and record the statements of witnesses in the country, had almost been completed.

"The second phase will involve sending police officers abroad to record statements from witnesses and obtain documents there.

"Recording the statements of witnesses takes weeks," Khalid told reporters after closing the Trim & Fit 2016 programme at the Police Training Centre here.

Asked when the police would send their officers abroad, Khalid said it would be soon.

He said the investigation into 1MDB was based on a number of recommendations tabled by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament and the police undertaking their responsibility.

He criticised a news portal report that questioned the Auditor-General's presentation.

"PAC had the opportunity to call up witnesses during its investigation and had heard the Auditor-General's presentation. Why raise the questions now just because the portal carried the report?" he said.

Khalid pointed out that the Cabinet had instructed the police to undertake the investigation based on the PAC recommendations.

Khalid was also asked about the United States Department of Justice civil suits with regard to 1MDB.

He said the police were not officially informed of the matter.