Ahmad Zahid rebukes Swiss AG over 'going public' on 1MDB probe

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today rebuked the Swiss Attorney-General’s Chambers for making an open statements on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) probe.

“In my opinion, the move will cause a strain on the bilateral relationship between these two countries and also encourage biased reporting in the investigations," Ahmad Zahid told reporters after the launch of Tourism Fair 2016 here today.

Ahmad Zahid said a meeting between counsels from the two countries will take place to establish the facts surrounding the 1MDB issue which has led to allegations against the national strategic investment company.

“I hope information of such importance will be disseminated via official channel based on government-to-government negotiations with both the governments,” he added.

The Malaysian AG’s Chambers yesterday gave assurance that it would cooperate with its Swiss counterpart in the 1MDB probe.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali in a statement said the AGC and Malaysian authorities were committed to working with foreign law enforcement entities through international conventions and agreements.

Mohamed Apandi, on Tuesday announced that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has returned a huge portion of the RM2.6 billion fund received from the royal family of Saudi Arabia.

This shows that Najib has not committed any criminal offence with regards to the RM2.6 billion fund transferred into his personal account and SRC International Sdn Bhd.

Mohamed Apandi also added the findings of the investigation has found no insufficient evidence to implicate Najib.

“The AG’s Chambers will exhaustively review the report by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and, as has been announced found no evidence of wrongdoing and have instructed for the cases to be closed.

Mohamed Apandi also added that the USD$620 million fund (RM2.03 billion) fund was refunded by Najib in August 2013 and the fund was not utilised.

“It was a personal contribution to the PM from the royal family of Saudi Arabia and it was given to him with nothing in return,” he said, during a press conference held at his office earlier this week.

READ: AGC returns investigation papers on SRC International, RM2.6b fund

READ: AG to study probe papers on RM2.6 billion donation closely