Probe on 1MDB still a priority, says veteran newsman

Malaysians are forgetting about 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), says a veteran journalist, as everyone is fixated on the alleged US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) channelled into the bank accounts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Datuk A. Kadir Jasin, former group editor-in-chief of New Straits Times, said attention should be returned to the ongoing probe into 1MDB as this was the start of the “money trail”.

“This is the beginning of the money trail, the ill intentions, the possibility of breach of trust, misappropriation, abuse of power and corruption.

“In fact, there are also those who say, treason,” said Kadir. The Public Accounts Committee received a preliminary report on 1MDB which had been completed by the auditor-general.

The report comes as a task force – consisting of the police, Bank Negara, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Attorney General’s Chambers –deepens its probe into how 1MDB-related money was funnelled into Najib’s personal bank accounts.

The allegations were first made by the newspaper The Wall Street Journal in a July 2 report that some US$700 million (RM2.67 billion) had been funnelled into Najib's accounts.

The business daily said the largest portion of the money – US$681 million – was transferred to Najib's accounts in March 2013, ahead of the May general election.

The WSJ also posted documents on the money flow into Najib's accounts on the Internet to support its report.

On July 9 whistleblower site Sarawak Report said RM2 million had been transferred into the accounts of Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor between February and April this year.

Kadir commended Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, who he said looked more diligent and courageous in investigating the allegations.

Since the task force is made up of four agencies, Kadir said this increased the confidence that the investigation at this stage would be more independent and transparent.

“But like the white man says, ‘anything can happen’,” wrote Kadir.
Kadir also commended the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for deciding to summon businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, as part of its probe into 1MDB.

“If Low refuses to cooperate, the PAC must lodge a police report so that the police can ask for Interpol’s help to track him down.

“It is hoped that the authorities can shine a light on Jho Low’s role as it is proven that he is very close to Najib, his family and senior government officials,” said Kadir.

“What’s so special about this Penang-born deal maker that he can still be free and protected?” Previous reports have said that Jho Low masterminded some of 1MDB’s more questionable deals.