KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 – Former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to heed the call by the Conference of Rulers for the government to resolve as soon as possible on an investigation in connection with 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and take appropriate action against those who involved.
“Their Royal Highnesses usually do not issue any statements except when it involves major issues that affect the public and country. When Their Royal Highnesses speak out about the 1MDB issue, it signifies that 1MDB is a very big matter in their opinion and demonstrates their concern over the negative effects the 1MDB controversy has on the public and nation,” said Muhyiddin in a statement here on Wednesday.
Muhyiddin said the prime minister must now ensure that these are conducted openly, fairly and without any interruptions due to there was noting that investigations into 1MDB appeared stalled due to echoing the Malay Rulers’ concerns of a possible crisis of credibility over the government’s inaction over 1MDB which been failure by the authorities that to take action over wrongdoings uncovered will further erode the public’s confidence in Putrajaya.
Agencies and entities investigating 1MDB, such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), must resume their inquiries into the firm, Muhyiddin said in a veiled reference to the parliamentary watchdog’s probe that was disrupted after its members were recruited into the administration. He said it would be most unfortunate if the PAC investigation is abandoned simply because several members accepted appointments as members of the federal government following the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
Muhyiddin has been a staunch critic of 1MDB, a stand that resulted in him being axed from the cabinet in late July. Meanwhile, US financial daily The Wall Street Journal had reported that 1MDB funds had made their way into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s personal bank accounts. However, Najib has denied any wrongdoing or that he had used 1MDB funds for personal gain.
