Speaking to reporters outside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here today, Najib said he has lodged a report against Leissner so that the Malaysian authorities can question him or seek his extradition.
It was previously reported that Leissner had pleaded guilty in a New York court to bribing several individuals in 1MDB and the government. However, the names of those who received bribes were never revealed.
Subsequently, Leissner’s former employers, Goldman Sachs, entered into a US$3.9 billion (RM16.4 billion) settlement agreement with the government for its role in the scandal.
“I find it strange that the Malaysian government and the prosecution appear to be disinterested in finding out and taking action against 1MDB and government officials who were bribed by Leissner resulting in Goldman Sachs having to pay Malaysia a RM16.6 billion settlement,” said Najib.
“I have been advised to make a report with MACC against Leissner for the authorities to extradite him or to get the list of names from the (US) Department of Justice so they will be revealed and appropriate action taken.”
He said the list was disclosed by lawyers representing former Goldman Sachs investment banker Roger Ng in criminal proceedings brought against him in the US. He said the evidence could potentially exonerate him from criminal charges in the 1MDB scandal.
Najib had previously sought to intervene in Ng’s case to allow his lawyers access to the exculpatory evidence alluded to by Ng’s lawyers.
That request, however, was opposed by both the US prosecutors and Ng in April, leaving Najib without access to evidence that he said may clear his name.
“This is very important for a fair trial. This is very crucial evidence,” Najib told reporters today.
“That’s why if we believe in the rule of law and a fair trial, these names need to be exposed as it not only involves the principles of a fair trial but also the credibility of these witnesses.
“We have tried to get the names but have been prevented by DoJ, so we have no other avenue but to ask the AGC (Attorney-General’s Chambers) to extradite Leissner or get the information from the US authorities”.
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