'1MDB subject of politically-motivated attack'

1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) has been the subject of unprecedented politically-motivated attack, the objective of which was to unseat a democratically-elected head of government.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said so many of the allegations, like Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claims that RM42 billion had gone missing, were later proved false – in this case by the bi-partisan Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

"This means that any claims relating to 1MDB must be treated with caution, follow due legal process and adhere to the principle of innocent until proved guilty. No one should rush to judgment before allegations are proved in court," he said in a statement today.

Salleh was responding to the statement made by United States Attorney-General Loretta Lynch yesterday.

On the donation to the Prime Minister, Salleh said it was a separate matter altogether.

"After comprehensive investigations by many authorities, it has been confirmed that the funds were a donation from the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia – as stated by the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia on April 14," he added.

Meanwhile, Press secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak has always maintained that if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception.

In his statement today, Tengku Sariffuddin said the government takes note of the US Department of Justice's civil lawsuit against 1MDB.

"Malaysian authorities have led the way in investigations into 1MDB. The company has been the subject of multiple investigations within Malaysia, including by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Auditor General and bi-partisan PAC. After comprehensive review, the Attorney General found that that no crime was committed. 1MDB is still the subject of an investigation by the Royal Malaysian Police.

"We note the US Department of Justice's civil lawsuits brought against various assets. As previously stated, the Malaysian Government will fully cooperate with any lawful investigation of Malaysian companies or citizens in accordance with international protocols," he said.

Yesterday, Lynch had told a Press conference that the US Department of Justice was proceeding legal action to seize more than US$1billion (RM4billion) in assets, including several high-end properties, renowned artworks and a business jet, allegedly purchased using pilfered funds from 1MDB.

1MDB had subsequently denied claims that it was not a party to the civil suit brought by the US government; that it had assets in the US, nor has it benefited from the various transactions described in the civil suit.