Dr M appreciates Singapore’s help in 1MDB affair
The PM says Singapore has not only charged the people who took 1MDB money to the island state, but also returned millions to Malaysia.
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed his appreciation to Singapore for its role in helping Malaysia reclaim money laundered from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Dr Mahathir said the republic had also taken action against those who took 1MDB’s money into Singapore.
“Some people brought money belonging to 1MDB to Singapore, and many people were paid out with money that was stolen.
“Singapore arrested them, charged them and all that, and also returned to us the money that had been stolen.
“That is cooperation that we appreciate,” he said in an interview with The Straits Times.
It was previously reported that the Monetary Authority of Singapore had shut down two private banks in 2016, fined eight banks nearly US$30 million over 1MDB-related offences, while six individuals were also charged.
In September, the courts here also ordered the return of US$15 million in 1MDB-linked funds to Malaysia.
In the interview, Dr Mahathir also talked about the need for an additional bridge between the two countries.
He said traffic between Johor and Singapore was far heavier than between Penang and the mainland.
“Yet Penang has got two bridges, and they are constructing a tunnel. We need more bridges between the two countries.
“We hope we can have a direct bridge, one half in Singapore and one half in Malaysia.
“But if that is not possible, of course Malaysia will go ahead with its own plans.”
Asked on the plans, Dr Mahathir said Malaysia was still interested in the “crooked bridge” project, which did not encroach on Singaporean land or territory.
Dr Mahathir had previously stated that he was interested in a six lane, S-shaped bridge that would allow vessels to pass under it.