AG closes BNM investigations into 1MDB

The Attorney-General’s office will close Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) investigation into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The A-G, Tan Sri Mohamad Apandi Ali said the decision was made as no new evidence has been submitted by BNM for the investigation to be continued according to Paragraph 4 (b) Part 1 of Schedule 5, Exchange Control Act 1953 (ECM).

“Bank Negara as the country’s regulatory body for finance and investment should obtain detailed informations before issuing an approval.

“All three approvals given by BNM for remittance applied by 1MDB was given within the duration of not more than three days,” said Apandi during a press conference held here today.

He also explained that based on the relevant ECM forms, namely 09A and 06B it had did not required the applicant to supply the names of the beneficiary owners during application.

“Bank Negara should examine the applications. It is evident that BNM has not requested for further information,” said Apandi.

“If Bank Negara Malaysia has not requested for specific information, why should 1MDB be blamed when they have filled in the information and answer the questions needed?” he asked.

Earlier, BNM revoked three approvals given to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) for its foreign investments worth AS$1.83 billion.