IGP denies police seek mutual legal assistance with US on 1MDB case

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has denied that the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is seeking Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) with the United States to interview witnesses overseas relating to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) investigation.

Khalid affirmed that several reports published by the media was incorrect.

"This is false, and I did not say this...earlier today I was just explaining the process if an investigation were to be conducted outside Malaysia.

"Namely, in the event of us seeking to take witness statements overseas, PDRM would follow the required international protocols and seek MLA under the guidance of the Attorney General's Chambers," he said in the statement.

Khalid said PDRM was satisfied with the progress made relating to 1MDB investigation and was hoping to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.

As the investigation was ongoing, all parties should refrain from any reporting that could be prejudicial, he said.

"Failure to do so will result in action from PDRM in accordance with the law," he said.

Khalid added that PDRM had completed the first phase of its investigation into 1MDB, which is based on the bi-partisan Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.

He said the investigation papers had been passed to AG Chambers and discussed.

"The AG Chambers has returned the papers and requested further investigations, which PDRM will implement," he added.