‘Charge them if you’ve proof’

KUALA LUMPUR: It is irresponsible of the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) to continue making statements regarding 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) without taking action.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the DoJ should take action against those it had named in its latest suit to ensure the department remained credible.

“If they have solid proof, then charge (those named). Do not make statement after statement without taking action,” he said after meeting Umno division secretaries here yesterday.

Hishammuddin said DoJ’s credibility would be questioned if it did not pursue further action.

On Thursday, DoJ announced it had moved to seize US$540 million (RM2.3 billion) of assets allegedly bought with money embezzled from 1MDB.

Hishammuddin said the statement by DoJ was “nothing new”.

He added that the department had issued a statement previously and asked the DoJ to press charges if it had proof.

“It is only fair. Only after the people named are charged can they have a chance to clear their name.”

He said there were quarters who were taking advantage of the matter for their political or personal gain.

“There are people who are fishing in troubled waters. I don’t know what they are doing it for.

“Perhaps (they’re doing it) for political gain, or maybe out of anger and greed. Who knows?”