Malaysia expresses concern over DoJ's failure to seek cooperation in 1MDB lawsuits

The Malaysian government is concerned that the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) failed to seek the cooperation of the government or 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) over the DoJ's latest lawsuits brought against various assets, it was stated here today.

Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad, in stating this, also said that the government is also concerned by the unnecessary and gratuitous naming of certain matters and individuals that are only relevant to domestic political manipulation and interference.

'This suggests a motivation that goes beyond the objective of seizing assets," he said in a statement.

Tengku Sariffuddin said the Malaysian government will fully cooperate with any lawful investigation of Malaysian companies or citizens in accordance with international protocols.

"There have been numerous and extensive investigations by Malaysian authorities into 1MDB, including by independent and bi-partisan bodies such as the Public Accounts Committee, and no crime was found.

"1MDB is still the subject of an investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, Malaysia will not hesitate to take action," he said.

Until then, he said, unproven allegations should not be taken as facts.

"And we take note of DoJ's own press release, which states that 'A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards judgment in favour of the U.S.'."

Tengku Sariffuddin said the judicial process is not served by headline seeking and Malaysia stands firm in its support of transparency and good governance.

That includes ensuring that accusations have a basis in fact, rather than smears briefed by political opponents, he said.

"We are confident that justice will take its course and Malaysia will continue to cooperate with all willing international agencies.

"As the Prime Minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception," he said.

-- BERNAMA