EX-PM Najib’s wife to be questioned by anti-graft office

KUALA LUMPUR: Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, was summoned on Tuesday for questioning by the anti-graft agency in its multi-billion dollar corruption probe at state fund 1MDB.

It was the second time Rosmah, 66, has been called in by the Malaysian Anti-corruption Commission (MACC) since the shock defeat of Najib in the May general election.

Rosmah was first questioned in June in connection with the investigation, which is looking into allegations of corruption and misappropriation in state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Her husband has pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, abuse of power and criminal breach of trust.

The former first lady was served with a notice on Tuesday afternoon to appear before MACC the next day, her lawyer K Kumaraendran said, adding that she was asked to assist with investigations under the anti-money laundering act.

A source familiar with the investigation said Rosmah would be questioned in connection with the 1MDB probe.

After filing fresh charges against Najib last week, Azam Baki, the deputy commissioner of the anti-graft agency, said more charges could be brought against individuals over 1MDB.

When asked if Rosmah could face charges, he said: “I’m not denying that.” Rosmah’s penchant for designer handbags, watches and jewellery raised eyebrows in Malaysia, with opponents asking how she was able to afford the luxury items on her husband’s government salary.

She has drawn comparisons to Imelda Marcos, who left behind more than 1,200 pairs of shoes when her husband Ferdinand Marcos was ousted as president of the Philippines in 1986.

Najib and Rosmah have both been barred from leaving the country since the former’s election defeat, and their home and other properties linked to them have been searched by the police as part of the 1MDB investigations.

The haul seized from the properties included 567 handbags, 423 watches and 12,000 pieces of jewellery.

Najib has said most of the seized items were gifts given to his wife and daughter and had nothing to do with 1MDB.

The US Department of Justice has alleged more than $4.5 billion was misappropriated from 1MDB and that about $680 million ended up in Najib’s personal bank account. Najib has denied any wrongdoing.