Is Ambank founder's murder linked to 1MDB, Lim Kit Siang questions

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang calls on the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to re-open investigations into the murder of founder of AmBank, Hussain Ahmad Najadi who was shot dead in Lorong Ceylon, Bukit Bintang on July 29, 2013 to ascertain whether the murder had any links with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

“The Police should investigate whether it is true that in March 2013, Hussein had reported to Bank Negara about significant amounts of money deposited into Najib’s personal accounts and subsequently about withdrawal of significant amounts of money from these bank accounts; and that Hussein lodged a police report on the above matters on 28th July 2013 when no actions were taken by Bank Negara,” he claimed.

During the incident, Hussain, 75, died while his wife Chong Mei Kuan, 46, was badly injured when they were shot from near at the parking lot of a Chinese temple at Lorong Ceylon.

In February last year, taxi driver Chew Siang Cee who allegedly ferried the suspected murderer of Hussain was sentenced to 14 years in prison and whipped six times for the charge of owning a pistol, magazine and four live bullets.

Lim also agreed to the proposal for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) allegation that claimed the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds were channelled to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s account.

“And it would be a great idea if such a RCI is chaired by former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir – for it would be one great demonstration by Najib that he has nothing to hide in the long drawn-out 1MDB scandal and that he has done no wrong,” he said in a press statement today.

He said the RCI should be given three months to complete its report.

He added that in the three-month period, Najib should go on leave as the Prime Minister.

About US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) is alleged to have been moved through government agencies and companies linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad before supposedly appearing in Najib’s personal accounts, the Wall Street Journal reported on July 3, citing documents from a government probe.

The multi-agency task force probing the alleged misappropriation of funds from 1MDB said six bank accounts related to the investigation have been frozen.