Police start probe on 1MDB audit report tampering

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have launched a probe on the alleged tampering of the AuditorGeneral’s 2016 report on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

This tampering was alleged to have been done upon orders by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Commissioner Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh said the probe on the allegations will cover several aspects.

“In line with that, PDRM has initiated investigations into several aspects, namely the involvement of a public servant in framing an incorrect record or writing, forgery for the purpose of fraud and forgery in relation to a document in the form of record that is made by a public servant in their official position.

“PDRM will call in several witnesses soon to give their testimony and assist in investigations on this issue,” he said in a statement yesterday.

In the same statement, Amar said the investigation was launched as the CCID had received a police report yesterday regarding the current Auditor-General Tan Sri Madinah Mohamad’s reported confirmation that the 2016 final audit report on 1MDB had been altered.

Amar noted that the current Auditor-General had reportedly confirmed that Najib had in a February 22, 2016 meeting ordered the then auditor-general Tan Sri Ambrin Buang to amend the 1MDB audit report’s information on 1MDB’s 2014 financial status and to remove mention of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low’s presence in a 1MDB board meeting.

Amar noted that the current auditor-general had also said the 1MDB audit report was only printed on March 3, 2016 after the amendments were made.

Madinah had yesterday provided a chronology of the multiple times the 1MDB audit report was altered.

Following the announcement yesterday regarding the alleged tampering of the 1MDB audit report under the Najib administration, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has said it will be investigating the matter.