IGP: Decision-makers will be focus of 1MDB probe

 

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said if an investigation is initiated on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the focus would be on the ailing firm's decision makers.

However, he told Malaysiakini the decision to launch a probe would depend on the audit findings.

Khalid said since Auditor-General Ambrin Buang disclosed this morning that an audit has been initiated, the police would wait for the outcome.

He also clarified media reports which quoted him as stating that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who also oversees the finance portfolio, would be questioned.

"What I meant was that the police would speak to all those whom it believes can shed light on the case. But the focus would be on the decision makers of the company.

"And let me reiterate, this is only if the auditor’s report discovers discrepancies and indications of wrongdoing. Otherwise, there is nothing to investigate," he added.

At the same time, Khalid cautioned all parties against lodging reports without any basis, saying the police would take action against those who deliberately waste its time and resources.

There have been several police reports on the issue, including one by Umno man Khairuddin Abu Hassan.

Khairuddin, who was recently sacked from his Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief post for being a bankrupt, had raised eyebrows with his report, leading to speculation that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was behind him.

Elaborating on the task force, which is headed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Khalid said it was formed in order to ensure that an investigation, if conducted, would be streamlined and effective.

"It is far more effective for all relevant agencies involved to pool their resources together to investigate the matter, as opposed to carrying out separate investigations," he stated.

In addition to the police's commercial crimes division and the AG Chambers, the task force also incorporates the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
  
Yesterday, Khalid announced the formation of the task force.

Last week, Najib ordered the auditor-general to dive into the debt-laden 1MDB's accounts.

During a meeting with Umno division chiefs over the weekend, the prime minister also pledged that there would be no cover up.

The pressure on Najib regarding 1MDB went up several notches after the recent damning revelations of documents and email communications.