Pahang UMNO to hold briefing sessions on 1MDB issue

Pahang UMNO will hold briefing sessions pertaining the action by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to file a lawsuit to seize assets alleged to be bought with money siphoned from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

State UMNO liaison chairman Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the briefing sessions would also involve the cooperation of the Department of Special Affairs (JASA) and legal experts, so that the people received accurate and authentic information on the issue.

He said the sessions should also not be done in haste and without a complete understanding of the issue, as some statements in the document had negative connotations against a number of individuals named in the civil suit, he said.

"I am also following the developments closely and have read the entire 136-page document (filed by the DOJ) before making a statement. We have to see it with an open heart.. investigate and read it well. Let the law take its course," he said.

Adnan was speaking to reporters after handing over land ownership titles to to 63 settlers at Felda Sungai Panching Timur here.

He stressed that those who would be conducting the briefing sessions should also have proper understanding of the issue, as he would be disappointed with a 'lukewarm' effort.

"We have to find an explanation that is steady, strong and convincing. That is why we should first read it (the document)...understand how each of the transactions occurred," he said.

Adnan, who is also Pahang Menteri Besar, said UMNO Pahang continued to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak even though the UMNO president was also dragged into the issue.

Last week, the DOJ filed a civil suit to recover assets allegedly derived from alleged misappropriation of 1MDB funds, and named among others, businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low and Najib's stepson Riza Aziz as those involved.