Anti-corruption agency steps up pressure on Najib
KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed on Saturday that it had delivered a notice to former prime minister Najib Razak, requiring him to report to the agency on Tuesday.
The investigation around Najib has intensified following a large-scale search of his house.
According to the statement, Najib is required to assist MACC’s investigation regarding SRC International, a company related to the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad, which Najib set up in 2009.
It is reported that hundreds of millions of dollars were siphoned off by Najib’s associates from the fund.
MACC also refuted statement by Najib’s lawyer that MACC officials would record Najib’s statement at his house, insisting that the former prime minister report to MACC headquarters to record his statement.
Newly elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who ordered the corruption probe following the election, has vowed to hold Najib responsible if he is found guilty.
Malaysian police are still determining the value of a trove of cash, jewelry and designer handbags seized from several premises related to Najib, including his private residence and two luxury condominiums.
The haul has placed scrutiny on the lavish lifestyle of first lady Rosmah Mansor, who issued a statement on Saturday through her lawyer to address “the recent spate of events leading to the media hailstorm” and asked authorities to follow the rule of law and due process to avoid trial.
She said the inquiry process seemed to have been compromised due to leaks, including “details of the alleged items confiscated”.
The media and many Malaysians are openly demanding to know how Rosmah was able to afford such an opulent lifestyle.
Local media reports said 52 designer handbags with brand names like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Oscar de la Renta were also seized from Najib’s private residence, along with 10 luxury watches.
The US Department of Justice alleged in civil lawsuits last year that some of the funds stolen from 1MDB were used to buy jewelry for Rosmah: $27 million for a rare pink diamond and another $1.3 million for 27 gold necklaces.
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