Malaysian authorities have ordered six bank accounts to be frozen in connection with an investigation into alleged fund transfers to bank accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak.
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Apart from Gani, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar, Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz (photo) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Abu Kassim Mohamed are also part of the task force.
“For any person who has access to any document or information relating to the affairs or account of any customer of a financial institution, including the financial institution or any person who is or has been a director, officer or agent of the financial institution, to disclose to another person any document or information relating to the affairs or account of any customer of the financial institution”, he said. The statement said the frozen accounts belong to “parties believed to be involved in this case”.
He said it was a totally different scenario if investigation revealed that there was more than sufficient evidence to implicate Mr Najib in criminal offences.
Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister has repeatedly demanded Najib account for the disappearance of billions of dollars borrowed by state fund 1MDB, or resign. His ruling National Front coalition has been in power since independence from Britain in 1957.
He also expressed concern at the insinuations and allegations that have been made linking him to certain political agenda. He has said he is consulting his lawyers about the next course of action following the “malicious accusations”.
Mr Talib, who is the longest-serving A-G between 1980 and 1993, said there was no evidence to claim Mr Najib had interfered in the ongoing probe, including tampering with witnesses.
IMDB, whose advisory board is chaired by the premier, has debts of almost $11.6bn (£7.52bn, €10.56bn). Critics, led by Mahathir, have voiced concerns about 1MDB’s massive debt and lack of transparency.
WSJ had reported that US$700 million (RM2.67 billion) was moved among government agencies, banks and entities linked to 1MDB and finally ending up in the Prime Minister’s personal accounts in five separate deposits, WSJ had said.
Although the prime minister is facing mounting pressure to take a leave of absence pending the investigations, he has maintained his innocence.
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The opposition will call for a special parliamentary debate, she said.
