PM not named as defendant or alleged of any wrong doing - AG

THE Attorney General notes that a civil action in rem has been filed by the United States Department of Justice (US DOJ) for the forfeiture of relevant assets and that it is presently a matter within the civil court in the United States.

The Attorney General further notes that the basis of the civil action in rem to forfeit assets undertaken by the US DOJ relates to the alleged laundering of money misappropriated from 1MDB. However, the Attorney General emphasized that to date –

(i) there has been no evidence from any investigation conducted by any law enforcement agencies in various jurisdictions which shows that money has been misappropriated from 1MDB; and

(ii) there have been no criminal charges preferred against any individuals for the offence of misappropriation of funds from 1MDB.

The Attorney General also expressed his strong concerns at the insinuations and allegations that have been made against the Prime Minister of alleged criminal wrong doing in relation to the civil action in rem filed by the US DOJ. The Attorney General intends to clarify that at no point in the civil claim filed by the US DOJ is the Prime Minister named as a defendant or have been alleged to have committed any criminal wrong doing.

Presently there is an ongoing investigation conducted by the Royal Malaysia Police concerning matters related to 1MDB. Given that the investigation is underway, it would not be appropriate to divulge details that may compromise the investigation. The Attorney General must emphasize that it is crucial to preserve the integrity of the investigation as the public must not doubt the outcome of the investigation.

To date the Attorney General’s Chambers has yet to receive any request from the US DOJ to obtain any information or evidence. However, we would welcome such a request in line with our commitment in international cooperation and collaboration in our fight against money laundering and corrupt practices.

As the Public Prosecutor, the Attorney General will not hesitate to initiate proceedings against the perpetrators of criminal acts provided there is sufficient evidence to do so. Any wrongdoing must and will be punished. Malaysia will always uphold the rule of law.