No 1MDB assets in US, says PM
Najib Razak says the US Department of Justice did not directly mention 1MDB in their report but only the names of certain individuals.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Razak said today that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) did not directly name 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) in their report.
This meant that the state investment fund was not directly involved in the civil forfeiture suit filed by the DoJ, and no assets belonging to 1MDB were in the US, he added.
“The Umno Supreme Council today noted that only certain individuals were named in the DoJ’s report, but not 1MDB.
“In other words, there are no 1MDB assets in the US,” he told reporters after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today.
Najib, who is also the president of Umno, added that the DoJ’s report announced by US Attorney-General Loretta Lynch last week was one-sided as it did not take into account the views of the Malaysian government or even that of 1MDB.
“We take note that 1MDB was not asked to submit any information. Besides that, it does not contain any explanation from Malaysian authorities, including our Attorney-General.”
The prime minister also questioned the publicity given to the lawsuits which alleged that over USD3.5 billion had been embezzled from the investment fund.
He said the publicity given to it was unprecedented.
When asked his opinion on whether the extensive media coverage on 1MDB in the past had contributed to the report being released, Najib said that it appeared to be so.
“On the surface, it would appear that it came from certain sources. We will observe the proceedings that follow suit.
“I can’t say for certain where it came from, but definitely not from the government or the Attorney-General.”
While he firmly believed that the DoJ should have consulted 1MDB or Malaysian authorities before releasing the report, Najib said taking legal action against the department was not an option he was considering.
“I however urge those mentioned in the report to clear their names,” he said.
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