BN leaders: report proves Najib not involved in 1MDB’s dealings

PUTRAJAYA: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report should absolve 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) of allegations that it lost RM42bil and transferred RM2.6bil into the personal accounts of the Prime Minister, says Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

The Umno information chief said as in other businesses, there might be issues of governance and business dealings, and this should not be linked to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“It is impossible for him to be involved in the company’s day-to-day operations,” he said.

“The management of 1MDB should be commended for its success in managing the company despite the pressure mounted by various parties that affected its reputation.”

Annuar said the PAC recommendations should be taken note of by the 1MDB management and the Government, with follow-ups initiated “without fear or favour”.

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said he was “relieved”, pointing out that PAC deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw – despite being from the Opposition – gave very “neutral remarks”.

“Both Dr Tan and PAC chairman (Datuk Hasan Arifin) were very neutral. It reflected their stances from a rational perspective,” he said.

He added the PAC report showed that the Prime Minister was not behind the management of 1MDB, echoing the comments of Dr Tan, who said that Najib was not involved in 1MDB’s dealings as he was just chairman of its advisory board.

“They were just pure business deals. We should learn from the weaknesses which have been identified and move on,” Dr Wee said.

MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon said it has always been the party’s stance that a “thorough and fair” investigation be carried out on 1MDB.

MIC treasurer-general Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari said the report should bring an end to all baseless accusations levelled against the Prime Minister.

Vell Paari said those who used false information on 1MDB and the RM2.6bil political donation in an attempt to bring down Najib should be investigated for treason.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said any continued attempt to implicate the Prime Minister would be “irresponsible, desperate and must be stopped”.

Reezal Merican said the PAC’s findings should be accepted and the issue put to rest, so that the country could move on with other important development agendas.

Fellow supreme council member Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim concurred, calling for a stop to all allegations and 1MDB polemics against Najib.

He described the 106-page report as “transparent” as several opposition members in the PAC were satisfied with the outcome before signing it.

“Any prejudice that associates Najib as the source of weaknesses in 1MDB should be eradicated as he was only the advisory board chairman.

“We should be aware that the company’s affairs were determined by the management board,” he said in a statement.