Police directed to probe 1MDB further, says A-G

PUTRAJAYA: The police have been directed to conduct further investigations into the 1MDB controversy due to a lack of evidence in certain aspects, says the Attorney-General.

Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali said about “25% to 30%” of the case needed to be relooked, but declined to specify what these were.

“Yes, we did send the investiga- tion papers back and asked for further investigations. There are reports saying the case has been thrown out; that is not correct.

“Investigation papers are constantly referred to the A-G’s Chambers. And when we find something lacking in certain areas, we give directions to investigate those areas.

“That area I cannot disclose because it is confidential. But investigations are ongoing, that I can disclose. We want to pursue that area where we feel evidence is lacking,” Apandi said yesterday.

On Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said revealed in Parliament that the A-G instructed police on Oct 24 to further investi- gate the 1MDB case.

She said this in a written reply to Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, who asked why there was a delay in concluding the case although police had submitted the investigation papers to the A-G’s Chambers on April 12.

On another matter, Apandi said the proposed amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 would give judges more discretion in meting out punishments.

“Based on my experience as a judge, a lot of judges find it difficult to pass the death sentence when they feel the accused does not deserve it. But they do not have a choice as the punishment is mandatory,” he said.