MACC: Probe on RM2.6b still on

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today denied that it or its chief commissioner, Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, had issued statements that investigations into the RM2.6 billion deposited into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s account had been closed.
“We have stated in a press release on Aug 3 and 5 that the RM2.6 billion was a donation from a donor from the Middle East and not from the 1Malaysia Developmen Berhad (1MDB) fund.
“In view of this, the MACC stresses that its investigations into SRC International Sdn Bhd and the RM2.6 billion fund are ongoing,” it said in a statement.
The MACC added that it hopes all quarters concerned would stop making confusing statements which can create a negative perception about the commission.
Meanwhile, 1MDB today said it has not been contacted by any Swiss authorities but is ready to assist in any investigation if approached.
Responding to reports that Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has opened criminal proceedings relating to the state investment fund, 1MDB said its assistance would be subject to advice from the appropriate Malaysian authorities.
“We remain committed to fully cooperating with all lawful authorities currently investigating 1MDB,” it said in a statement.
“The OAG confirms that on Aug 14 it opened a criminal procedure against two entities of 1MDB as well as against an unknown person,” the OAG spokesman said in an email.
The case involved “suspected corruption of public foreign officials, dishonest management of public interests and money laundering”, he said.
The criminal proceedings follow two communications from the Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland, the spokesman added.
News of the investigation was first reported by Swiss newspaper Le Temps.
Reuters reported that Swiss financial regulator Finma said on Wednesday it was checking with some of the country’s banks whether they carried out business with 1MDB.