Transparency International applauds Government of Malaysia's efforts to investigate 1MDB

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad confirms that investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) will take place.

President of Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M), Datuk Akhbar Satar joins the chorus of commentators applauding this move.

"At the moment we have to reopen the (investigation) files of 1MDB. In criminal cases, there are no time limit (Statutory Limitations)," said Akhbar.

"So, the law enforcement agencies have the capabilities to investigate. As long as there are witnesses and documents to be recorded an investigation should take place," he added.

The previous Barisan Nasional government has closed the case. The Attorney-General, Tan Sri Apandi Ali has cleared former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak of any wrongdoings.

"If the case is closed, we can still reopen the investigation as long as there is new information made available. It is quite common for cases to be reopened if new information is made available," said Akhbar.

Earlier this year, Malaysia has slipped in the global Corruption Perception Index (CPI).

Upon asked if investigations into 1MDB and other similar cases would improve Malaysia's ranking, the TI-M President gave assurance that it will.

"If we can settle the unsettled and unsolved cases, I guarantee you, that Malaysia's CPI will be improved," he concluded.